The Bronx, NY

It's remarkable how much this site has improved since I last visited. Fresh, new faces and a continuing curiosity about the human condition have brought out the best architects to design our future.
I would choose the absolutely worst place in the world and drill a hole exactly opposite through the center of the Earth and declare this spot to be the capital (although, as an Anglophile I am partial to London). Don't tell anyone.

Hey, great to see you around Fjohn, you'll see a few threads down I was just asking about you. That sometimes seems to happen here, it's like calling up a genie!

I'd go one further than you though, isn't it London's the capital of the world already?

Urumchi, or Urumqi has to be a favourite, with its claim as the city most distant from the sea!
Urumchi was described by missionaries Mildred Cable, and Francesca French as "having no beauty, no style, no dignity and no architectural interest. The climate is violently exaggerated and at no season pleasant."
What better location for the capital of the world

I would say Jerusalem is the holiest city - holy to 3 significant faiths. I would say that being sacred is a vote against it being world capital - offends other religions & atheists.

I would say that being holy would be a vote against Jerusalem being a world capital, but not because it would offend the other religions and atheists. I'm guessing it would offend those for whom the city WAS holy a whole lot more. Imagine having the politicians of the world trapsing around your holy city? Yeuch!

Hi all! Good thread!

For me, the question would be world capital for what? Economic capital, religious capital, cultural capital, party capital? Place people flock to? If trying to find a nexus of these is the trick - a new city would make sense. But I've always thought of New York as the center of the world, which is sort of why I moved here. The UN is here, so there's a political structure in place. The financial markets that (at least until recently) led the world's economy are here. And it is one of the most ethnically diverse places I can imagine - which has led to cultural diversity, linguistic diversity, religious diversity - already a very international place (more so than other parts of the U.S.). Also headquarters for lots of international organizations and trade - both over and underground markets.

But there are many arguments against it. Jerusalem makes a lot of sense to a lot of people as a holiest site, but that leaves out a lot of other people. London definitely has a lot of similarities with NYC in terms of diversity and trade (among others), but not really a political center. I don't know enough about Hong Kong, but might also suggest places such as Mumbai as magnets for some of the same reasons as NY, London, etc.

Very interesting question. I still vote my 2 cents for NYC while attempting to not remain America-centric. I am Canadian after all.

Y

My vote is for San Francisco.

Why? Because that is the legislative seat of the United Federation of Planets. Or at least, it will be when it's formed in the 22nd century after the war with the Romulans.

Istanbul would be a fair choice. It has a foot in two continents and two worlds.

New York is the media capital of the world. Therefore, it is the capital of the world.

Until such time as war, poverty, starvation, and disease, are vanquished from this planet, and the whole of the human race lives in perfect harmony with both themselves and their neighbours, there cannot, and will not, be a 'Capital of Earth' in every possible sense of the word.

A perfect utopia? Ruled by representatives all ALL nations? A nice dream ........
It hasn't happened in over 7 thousand years, and there's not much chance of it happening soon.

Would have to be New York. But on continents I would have to say.
Oceania - Sydney
Europe - London
North America - New York
Asia - Beijing
South America - Rio
Africa - Johannesburg

In my opinion, it should NOT be anywhere allied to any religion - only asking for trouble there.
I'm inclined to lodge my vote for Mousehole, Cornwall...
or maybe Widgiemooltha.

Well I am glad this thread was brought up again at this time, It gives me a chance to show you the Mousehole Christmas lights, an annual stupendous event to rival Sydney at the Millenium (well almost).
Mousehole, future capital of the world

Wow, those are great! The reflections in the water really add to the effect.

I think that Mags may have her tongue in her cheek! Well it is a very small village,but I will say it is lovely there and the people are proud of their lights!

Ha!! Yes you are probably right!

Pakenham...centre of the universe. I think Douglas Adams fished there a bit...then again, maybe I'm a little subjective

I found three Pakenhams: one each in England, Canada and Australia. Which one are you referring to?