In both the Galactic Republic and later the Galactic Empire, Coruscant functioned as the central governing world.
A capital is understood to be the location where a government's power is centered.
Serving as the heart of galactic culture and civilization, the Core Worlds planet known as Coruscant held the distinction of being the galaxy's capital. It was the seat of power for both the Galactic Republic and its successor, the Galactic Empire. During the tumultuous period of the Clone Wars, the Outer Rim planet of Raxus Secundus became the central base of operations for the Confederacy of Independent Systems, playing host to the Separatist Senate.
Following the pivotal Battle of Endor, the planet Chandrila was chosen as the capital for the New Republic, a new governing body formed from the ashes of the Rebel Alliance. In an effort to both include worlds that felt excluded and to avoid the problems that arose under the Old Republic and the Empire, the New Republic opted for a system where the capital and the Galactic Senate would rotate among member worlds, chosen through regular elections. Approximately three decades after the Battle of Endor, Hosnian Prime was serving as the New Republic's capital until its destruction at the hands of the First Order's devastating Starkiller Base superweapon.
The First Order brought about the destruction of Hosnian Prime, which had been serving as the capital of the New Republic.
Certain planets also featured capital cities of their own. Theed was the designated capital on the Mid Rim world of Naboo. On the Outer Rim planet of Tatooine, Mos Espa effectively functioned as its capital. The planet Lothal also possessed a Capital City, which housed significant structures such as the Imperial Complex and the Lothal City Capitol Building.
