Sao Tome and Principe cities list with latitude and longitude in CSV,SQL,XML,JSON formats
Last update : 10 December 2024.
This is the best list of 232 cities in the Sao Tome and Principe available in 4 formats ( CSV, Json, SQL, XML ). We have cleaned up the Geoname database to leave only the towns, capitals and villages. All are all associated with regions and sub-regions (where available).
Each file contains the following data: Geoname_ID, City, Alternate_Name, Country_Code, Region, Sub_region, Latitude, Longitude, Elevation, Population, Timezone, Fcode_Name. See the FAQ below for a detailed explanation.
Here is an example of the data from the Sao Tome and Principe file that you are going to retrieve. The data is displayed here in the form of a table:
Geoname_ID | City | Alternate_Name | Country_Code | Region | Sub_region | Latitude | Longitude | Elevation | Population | Timezone | Fcode_Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2410854 | Rio Ave | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.26667 | 6.5 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410724 | Vila Rosa | ST | Príncipe | 1.67462 | 7.42182 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410907 | Planca Segunda | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.4 | 6.61667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410967 | Nova Moca | Nova Moca,Nova Moka | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.28333 | 6.63333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410868 | Quinas | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.26667 | 6.6 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410914 | Piedade | ST | Príncipe | 1.63485 | 7.43736 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410969 | Nova Cuba | ST | Príncipe | 1.63904 | 7.40813 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411261 | Belmonte | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33333 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
11239070 | Porto Real | ST | Príncipe | 1.62473 | 7.40146 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411093 | Henrique | Henrique | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.05 | 6.55 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411285 | Anselmo de Andrade | Anselmo de Andrade,Lapa | ST | Príncipe | 1.60432 | 7.36579 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411148 | Esprainha | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.33333 | 6.51667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410964 | Novo Brasil | Novo Brasil,Novo Brazil | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.08333 | 6.56667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410853 | Rio do Ouro | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.36667 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410900 | Ponta Figo | Ponta Figo | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.35 | 6.55 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |
2410813 | Santa Rita | ST | Príncipe | 1.67357 | 7.4112 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
11203976 | Cruzeiro | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.29035 | 6.6781 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411101 | Guarda | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.35 | 6.6 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411153 | Enjale | Enjale | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.03333 | 6.51667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411244 | Bombom | Bombom | ST | Príncipe | 0.31075 | 6.72816 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410723 | Vila Sara | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.33333 | 6.58333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410960 | N’zumbi | N’zumbi,N’zumbi | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.06667 | 6.55 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410845 | Salomão | ST | Príncipe | 1.63996 | 7.38843 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411081 | Ió Grande | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.21667 | 6.61667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411008 | Mirante | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.25 | 6.51667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
11204205 | Boa Morte | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33991 | 6.7199 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410821 | Santana | Sant’Ana,Santana,Sant’Ana | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.25423 | 6.7414 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410811 | Santa Trindade | Pico,Santa Trindade | ST | Príncipe | 1.61965 | 7.39129 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410820 | Santana | ST | Príncipe | 1.66428 | 7.4371 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410906 | Platô Café | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.26667 | 6.66667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411142 | Fernão Dias | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.41667 | 6.68333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410998 | Monte Café | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.3 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411041 | Madalena | Madalena,Magdalena | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33333 | 6.66667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410909 | Planca Primeira | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.4 | 6.6 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410744 | Terra Firme | ST | Príncipe | 1.67762 | 7.46036 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411257 | B. Faro | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.23333 | 6.66667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410898 | Ponta Furada | Ponta Furada,Roca Furada,Roça Furada | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.23333 | 6.48333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |
2410952 | Oquê Gaspar | ST | Príncipe | 1.64691 | 7.41247 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
11204403 | Generosa | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.34737 | 6.54816 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410841 | Santa Adelaide | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.26667 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411306 | Água-Côco | Agua-Coco,Água-Côco | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.05 | 6.53333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411104 | Gratidão | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33333 | 6.68333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410936 | Paris | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33333 | 6.68333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411166 | Diana | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33333 | 6.68333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410968 | Nova Estrela | ST | Príncipe | 1.61864 | 7.43144 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410822 | Santa Maria | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.35 | 6.6 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411011 | Milagrosa | ST | São Tomé Island | Mé-Zóchi District | 0.27959 | 6.66029 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411237 | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires,Buenos Ayres | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.26667 | 6.71667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410775 | São Manuel | Sao Manoel,Sao Manuel,São Manoel,São Manuel | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.26667 | 6.48333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |
2410808 | Santo André | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33333 | 6.7 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410905 | Poiso Alto | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33333 | 6.61667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411190 | Catumbela | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.25 | 6.66667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410754 | Sequeira | ST | Príncipe | 1.63777 | 7.3801 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410837 | Santa Clara | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.35 | 6.61667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411090 | Infante Dom Henrique | ST | Príncipe | 1.5675 | 7.41219 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410983 | M. Peixe | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.4 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410789 | São João | ST | São Tomé Island | Caué District | 0.08333 | 6.55 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411260 | Belo Monte | ST | Príncipe | 1.67909 | 7.44133 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410840 | Santa Catarina | Santa Catanna,Santa Catarina | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.27157 | 6.47241 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |
2410836 | Santa Clotilde | ST | São Tomé Island | Caué District | 0.11667 | 6.6 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411073 | Java | Java | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.26667 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
11203985 | Vila Maria | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33111 | 6.73886 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
11204006 | Folha Fede | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.284 | 6.684 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410798 | São Francisco | ST | São Tomé Island | Cantagalo District | 0.2 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410763 | São Tomé | Salazar,San Tomas,San Tome,San Tomé,San Tomė,San-Tameh,San-Tome,Santo Tome,Santo Tomé,Santome,Sao Thome,Sao Tome,Sao Tomee,Sao Tomé,Sao-Tomeo,Soeo Tome,Svaety Tomas,Svätý Tomáš,Sào Thomé,São Tomé,Söo Tomé,TMS,Urbs Sancti Thomae,cavo tome,sa’o tome,sangtume,santome,savea team,saw twmy,saywtwmh,sea tu me,sheng duo mei,Σάο Τομέ,Сан-Тамэ,Сан-Томе,Сао Томе,Սան Տոմե,סאו טומה,ساؤ ٹومے,سائوتومه,ساو تومي,ساو تۆمێ,ساو ٹومے,साओ टोमे,সাও টোমে,ਸਾਓ ਤੋਮੇ,சாவோ தொமே,സാവോ ടോം,เซาตูเม,སའོ་ཊོ་མེ།,სან-ტომე,ሳን ቶሜ,サントメ,圣多美,聖多美,상투메 | ST | São Tomé Island | Água Grande District | 0.33654 | 6.72732 | 53300 | Africa/Sao_Tome | capital of a political entity | |
2410982 | Mulondo | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.3 | 6.51667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410778 | São José Picaté | Pincate,Pincaté,Sao Jose,Sao Jose Picate,São José,São José Picaté | ST | Príncipe | 1.6349 | 7.39805 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410805 | Santo António | Cidade de Santo Antonio,Cidade de Santo António,San Antonio,Santo Antonijus,Santo Antonio,Santo António,Santu-Anton’ju,Sao Antonio,São Antõnio,sang tu xang tx ni xu,santuantoniu,santw antwnyw,sheng an dong ni ao,Санто Антонио,Санту-Антонью,سانتو آنتونیو,سانتو انتونیو,ซังตูอังตอนีอู,サント・アントニオ,聖安東尼奧,산투안토니우 | ST | Príncipe | 1.63943 | 7.41951 | 1156 | Africa/Sao_Tome | seat of a first-order administrative division | ||
2411245 | Bombaim | Bombaim | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.25 | 6.63333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411249 | Boa Esperança | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.33333 | 6.63333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410972 | Neves | Neves | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.35671 | 6.54897 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |
2411251 | Blublu | Blublu | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.31667 | 6.71667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410779 | São José | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.21667 | 6.5 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410826 | Santa Joaquina | ST | Príncipe | 1.61122 | 7.40388 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410802 | Santo Cristo | ST | Príncipe | 1.62493 | 7.43171 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411262 | Bela Vista | ST | Príncipe | 1.61779 | 7.4135 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410833 | Santa Cruz | ST | São Tomé Island | Caué District | 0.13333 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411155 | Dona Eugénia | Dona Eugenia,Dona Eugénia | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.13333 | 6.61667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410797 | São Francisco | ST | São Tomé Island | Mé-Zóchi District | 0.31667 | 6.65 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411056 | Laura | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.28333 | 6.7 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411241 | Bombon | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.31667 | 6.73333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410738 | Trás os Montes | Tras os Montes,Traz os Montes,Trás os Montes | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.26667 | 6.61667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411297 | Alto Douro | ST | São Tomé Island | Cantagalo District | 0.2 | 6.71667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411049 | Lemos | Lemos | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.3 | 6.7 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410971 | Neves Ferreira | Neves Ferreira | ST | Príncipe | 1.54944 | 7.39719 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410990 | Montes Hermínios | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.25 | 6.7 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411100 | Guayaquil | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.2 | 6.61667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410892 | Porto Alegre | PGP,Porto Alegre | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.03333 | 6.53333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410783 | São Joaquim | ST | Príncipe | 1.62059 | 7.37704 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2411115 | Germinia Antónia | ST | Príncipe | 1.63661 | 7.37795 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410835 | Santa Clotilde | Santa Clotilde | ST | São Tomé Island | Cantagalo District | 0.25 | 6.7 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |
2411079 | Iola | ST | Príncipe | 1.64094 | 7.37303 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410997 | Monte Carmo | ST | São Tomé Island | Caué District | 0.15 | 6.58333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410994 | Monteforte | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.33333 | 6.53333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410777 | São Luís | Sao Luis,Sao Luiz,São Luiz,São Luís | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.3 | 6.61667 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2411036 | Mantero | Correio,Mantero | ST | Príncipe | 1.59881 | 7.3532 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410852 | Rio Leça | ST | São Tomé Island | Lemba District | 0.35 | 6.55 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | ||
2410992 | Monte Raul | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.21667 | 6.68333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
2410769 | São Nicolau | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.28333 | 6.63333 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place | |||
11238807 | Fundação Popular | ST | São Tomé Island | 0.3315 | 6.7197 | 0 | Africa/Sao_Tome | populated place |
São Tomé and Príncipe: A Geographical Overview of the Island Nation
São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island country located in the Gulf of Guinea, offers a unique combination of volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and coastal beauty. Although it is one of the smallest countries in Africa, its geographical diversity, coupled with its rich ecological resources, makes it an intriguing subject for geographical study. The country consists of two main islands—São Tomé and Príncipe—and several smaller islets, each contributing to the nation's cultural and natural landscapes. By examining the geographical features of São Tomé and Príncipe, including its cities, regions, and coordinates, we gain valuable insights into how the country's natural environment has shaped its development, economy, and population distribution.
The Geography of São Tomé and Príncipe: An Archipelago of Volcanic Origins
São Tomé and Príncipe is an archipelago located about 300 kilometers off the coast of Central Africa, near the equator. The country is made up of the island of São Tomé, the larger of the two, and the smaller island of Príncipe. Both islands are of volcanic origin, and their landscapes are dominated by rugged mountains, lush tropical forests, and fertile volcanic soils. The highest point on the islands is Mount São Tomé, which rises to 2,024 meters above sea level. This volcanic topography has given rise to fertile land, ideal for agriculture, but also contributes to the island's relatively rugged and uneven terrain.
The tropical climate of São Tomé and Príncipe is another defining characteristic, with high temperatures year-round and a distinct rainy season. This climate supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, particularly in the rainforests that cover much of the islands’ interiors. The coastal areas, with their pristine beaches and sheltered coves, are crucial for the local economy, particularly in terms of fishing and tourism. The islands' location close to the equator ensures a year-round growing season, which is key to their agricultural output.
Urbanization and Regions: The Distribution of Cities and Settlements
São Tomé and Príncipe is divided into several administrative regions and districts, each offering a unique view of the country’s urban and rural landscapes. The capital city, São Tomé, is located on the island of the same name and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the nation. São Tomé city is located on the northeastern coast of the island and has a natural harbor that has historically made it the focal point for trade and commerce. The city's development has been shaped by its proximity to the ocean and its historical role in the country’s colonial past as a center for cocoa and sugar production.
Aside from São Tomé city, other important towns and villages on the island of São Tomé include Neves, located in the central part of the island, and Santo Amaro, which is known for its agricultural activities. These settlements, while small, are crucial for the country’s domestic economy, particularly in the production of cocoa, coffee, and other agricultural goods. The rural areas surrounding these towns are vital for sustaining the agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy.
On the smaller island of Príncipe, the capital city, also named Príncipe, is the only urban settlement of note. Príncipe is much less developed than São Tomé, and much of the island remains untouched by large-scale human activity. The city of Príncipe is located on the southern coast and is the administrative center of the island. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, and the island's mountainous terrain has made it more difficult to develop urban centers.
The distribution of settlements in São Tomé and Príncipe reflects the islands' mountainous geography, with most of the population living in coastal towns and the fertile valleys where agriculture can thrive. The steep interior of the islands remains less populated, with small rural villages scattered throughout.
Latitude and Longitude: Mapping São Tomé and Príncipe’s Cities and Regions
To better understand the geography of São Tomé and Príncipe, obtaining accurate latitude and longitude data for the country’s cities, regions, and towns is essential. For example, São Tomé city, located at approximately 0.3364° N, 6.7275° E, is the central hub for government, commerce, and services. The precise location of São Tomé city on the northeastern coast reveals its strategic position as a port city with access to trade routes, both historical and modern.
Similarly, mapping the coordinates of towns like Neves, Santo Amaro, and Príncipe allows geographers to understand how the geography of the islands has shaped human settlement. The coordinates of these towns help highlight their proximity to key natural resources, such as fertile agricultural land, freshwater sources, and coastal access, all of which play significant roles in their economic development.
Latitude and longitude data for São Tomé and Príncipe also contributes to infrastructure planning, helping to determine the best routes for transportation, communication, and utilities. Understanding the geographical layout of the country aids in efficient resource allocation, particularly in remote areas where access can be difficult due to the terrain. Additionally, accurate geographic data supports disaster preparedness by identifying areas that may be vulnerable to flooding, landslides, or storms, which are common in tropical climates.
Unlocking the Potential of Geospatial Data for Sustainable Development
Access to geospatial data for São Tomé and Príncipe is key to supporting the country’s sustainable development. Detailed geographic information about the islands' cities, regions, and coordinates is invaluable for urban planning, environmental conservation, and economic growth. Geospatial data allows policymakers to understand the spatial distribution of resources, populations, and infrastructure, ensuring that development efforts are focused where they are most needed.
For instance, knowing the precise locations of towns like Neves and Príncipe allows for targeted agricultural development programs, improving food security and supporting rural communities. Similarly, geographic data on the location of key tourist attractions, including beaches, natural parks, and historical sites, helps develop sustainable tourism strategies that balance economic benefits with environmental preservation.
Additionally, geospatial data plays a significant role in climate change adaptation and disaster management. São Tomé and Príncipe is susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. With accurate geospatial data, the government can develop policies that mitigate environmental risks, protect vulnerable areas, and promote resilience in both urban and rural communities.
Conclusion
São Tomé and Príncipe, with its volcanic mountains, fertile valleys, and stunning coastal landscapes, offers a unique geographical identity that shapes every aspect of life on the islands. The locations of its cities, towns, and regions, along with their precise latitude and longitude, offer valuable insights into how geography influences urbanization, agriculture, and resource management in this small island nation. Access to accurate geospatial data enables the government and other stakeholders to plan for sustainable development, improve infrastructure, and protect the country’s natural environment. By leveraging this data, São Tomé and Príncipe can continue to grow and thrive while maintaining its unique cultural and ecological heritage.
FaQ about Sao Tome and Principe
- Geoname_ID: This is a unique identifier for each place or geographical name in the Geoname database.
- City: The name of the place, which can be a town, village or any other form of human settlement.
- Alternate_Name: Other names or appellations that the place may have. These alternative names may be in different languages, dialects or even local names.
- Country_Code: This is the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code for the country in which the place is located. For example, "US" for the United States, "FR" for France.
- Region: This represents the first-order administrative division in which the location is situated. For example, this could be a state, province or territory.
- Sub_region: This is a second-order administrative division, such as a county or district, within the region.
- Latitude: The geographical latitude of the location, usually in decimal degrees.
- Longitude: The geographical longitude of the location, also usually in decimal degrees.
- Elevation: The elevation or altitude of the location in relation to sea level, usually measured in metres.
- Population: The estimated number of inhabitants or population of the location.
- Timezone: The time zone in which the location is located, in accordance with global time zone standards.
- Fcode_Name: This is a code that categorises the type of location. For example, "PPL" could mean a populated place, while "PPLC" could be the capital of a political entity.