Up until 1938 it was known as
the Federal Capital Territory. Most of the Australian
Capital Territory consists of an area previously known
as Yass-Canberra, which was given to the commonwealth
by New South Wales in 1911.
In 1915, New South Wales also
gave up Jervis Bay and in doing so provided a potential
port for Canberra. In 1988 the territory gained self-government
with its own parliament, and Jervis Bay became separated
from the territory. The federal government is the largest
employer in the territory.
The majority of the population
lives in Canberra.
In 1913, Canberra officially
succeeded
Melbourne
as the second capital of the commonwealth and although
Parliament had their first meeting there in 1927,
federal functions were not transferred until after World
War II and the Parliament House, on Capitol Hill, was
not opened until 1988.
2003 saw large parts of Canberra destroyed by drought-intensified
wildfires and the facilities of Mount Stromlo Observatory
were among the buildings destroyed. Canberra is the
seat of the Duntroon Royal Military College, Australian
National University, the National Gallery, the Australian
War Memorial, the National Library, the National Museum
of Australia, the Academy of Science, and other scientific
and research institutions.
Climate
Canberra has distinct seasons with moderately
hot summers and cool crisp winters.
Australian
Capital Territory can be found in south east Australia
and is an enclave within 
