Breaking news: Indy isn’t an only child. In fact, did you know that Naptown actually has nine sister cities? Today, we’re sharing the cities that are the Mary-Kates to our Ashley.

What are sister cities?

Also known as a twin town or a friendship city, the relationship comes about when two different places make an agreement to promote lasting cultural ties. The idea is to form a fellowship that encourages trade + tourism and empowers Hoosiers to serve as citizen diplomats and global advocates.

There’s actually a whole department at the City of Indianapolis dedicated to fostering worldwide relationships + investing in Indy's minority populations — the Office of International and Latino Affairs.

How are they chosen?

The cities are selected based on a number of factors, including preexisting governmental + trade relationships, historicalandancestral connections, shared geographic challenges, and faith-based groups.

In case you were wondering how Indy's international family compares to other cities, like-sized Cleveland, OH has 23 + Chicago, IL has 29, while Lexington, KY has four.

Who are we “related” to?

Taipei, Taiwan (1978)
Cologne, Germany (1988)
Monza, Italy (1994)
Piran, Slovenia (2001)
Hangzhou, China (2008)
Campinas, Brazil (2009)
Northampton Shire County, UK (2009)
Hyderabad, India (2010)
Onitsha, Nigeria (2017)

Speaking of Hangzhou — from now until Sat., Nov. 26, the Global Village Welcome Center will have an exhibit entitled "Expressions of Hangzhou" featuring 35 original pieces of caligraphy + art, as well as sports and cultural artifacts.