1. Seat of Government: Canberra was specifically designed and developed to serve as the permanent seat of the Australian government. It was chosen as a compromise location between the rival cities of Sydney and Melbourne, which were both vying for the honor of being the national capital.
2. Government Institutions: Canberra houses the Parliament House, which is the meeting place of the Australian Parliament, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is also home to various government departments, ministries, and agencies, such as the Prime Minister's Office, the Treasury, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and more.
3. Political Decision-Making: As the political capital, Canberra is the center of political decision-making and policy formulation for the country. It is where laws are made, budgets are determined, and important national policies are developed and implemented.
4. Diplomatic Presence: Canberra is home to a large number of foreign embassies, high commissions, and diplomatic missions. This reflects its status as the diplomatic hub of Australia, where international relations and diplomacy are conducted.
5. Symbolism and Identity: Canberra represents the national unity and identity of Australia. It serves as a symbol of the nation's democracy, governance, and the collaborative efforts of its citizens to build a united country.
While other Australian cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, are larger and more populous, Canberra holds the distinction of being the political capital and the seat of government for the nation.