Capital of the World

Lots of cities have their own claim to fame. I live in San Jose, The Tech Capital of the World. I know that other cities nearby also have something that they do better or more than anyone else. Some are quirky, and some are cool. I like to find out what cities do best. For example, did you know that the Santa Clara Valley (the area of San Jose and it’s suburbs) used to be the prune capital of the world? But apparently we traded the wonderful regularity of prunes for the high stress of technology. Now Yuba City, California is the Prune Capital of the World.

But just a short drive south of this Silicon Valley there remains some of the world's best farmland, which still produces world-class quality/quantity of good stuff. Gilroy for example, is the Garlic Capital of the World. Watsonville is the Strawberry Capital of the World. And Castroville is the Artichoke Capital of the World. Living in California a blessing on the taste buds!

But this isn’t the only place with capitals. Here are a few others for your amusement: Homer, Alaska, I learned on a short visit, is the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World. Milwaukee is, of course, the Beer Capital of the World. And Chicago is, among other things, the Hobo Capital of the World.

Outside of the US, there are other famous “capitals.” Can you name the cities that are the Silk Capital of the World, the Pastry Capital of the World, or the Silver Capital of the world? Or can you tell me what the countries of Thailand or Zanzibar have more of than anyone else? (answers below)

It’s not all that impressive, but it’s a fun little mental list that I’ve been keeping. Now I need the help of everyone out there in internet land. Where do you live, and what is your city best at? Or have you visited obscure capitals in other places? Let us know your bits of geopolitical trivia.

Answers: Silk = Suzhou, China; Pastry = Vienna, Austria; Silver = Taxco, Mexico. Thailand = Ruby Capital; Zanzibar = Mango Capital.