The capitals of East and Southeast Asia include some of the largest and most dynamic urban centers on the planet. Tokyo, Japan's capital, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world with over 37 million residents and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Beijing, China's capital, is one of the oldest cities in the world, having served as the political center of China for most of the last eight centuries, and is home to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a megacity of about 10 million residents along the Han River and a global leader in technology, pop culture, and cosmetics.
Mainland Southeast Asia features a collection of capitals with rich histories and rapid modernization. Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is officially known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and is the country's most populous city, famous for its ornate temples, bustling street life, and the Grand Palace. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, lies on the banks of the Red River in northern Vietnam and is one of the most ancient capitals in the world with a history spanning over a thousand years. Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and serves as the country's economic, industrial, and cultural center. Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, is a purpose-built city that replaced Yangon in 2006 and is one of the largest and least densely populated capital cities in the world.
Maritime Southeast Asia and Mongolia complete the region. Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is the largest city in Southeast Asia, though the country is in the process of moving its capital to Nusantara on the island of Borneo. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, is known for the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, with Putrajaya serving as the administrative capital but KL remaining the legislative and royal capital. Manila, the Philippines' capital, lies on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on Luzon, and Metro Manila is one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, is home to nearly half of Mongolia's population and holds the distinction of being the coldest national capital in the world, with winter temperatures dropping below −30°C.