Country
Population
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, situated at the southern tip of the North Island. It is a stunning city, surrounded by hills and a rugged coastline. The city is compact, cultured and full of character. It is the country's political, cultural and creative centre. Wellington has a reputation for its picturesque natural harbour and green hillsides adorned with tiered suburbs of colonial villas. Some of the places that make it famous include the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Zealandia Ecosanctuary, Wellington Cable Car, and the Beehive.
Wellington is the southernmost capital city in the world. According to the census in 2018, Wellington had a population of around 212,700. Wellington is known for its diverse and multicultural population. The city is home to people of various ethnicities, including Maori, Pacific Peoples, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African, and others. English is the most widely spoken language, followed by Maori and Samoan. Wellington is also known for its high quality of life and was ranked 12th in Mercer's 2019 Quality of Living survey.
Wellington has a diverse economy, with strengths in public administration, business services, and health care and social assistance. The city's economy contributes over $34 billion to New Zealand's GDP. As the political capital of the country, public administration and defence are particularly important sectors.
Wellington's infrastructure includes well-connected road, rail, and sea networks. Wellington International Airport connects the city to domestic and international destinations. The city also has a well-developed public transport system, including buses, trains, and the iconic Wellington Cable Car.