To encourage cross-cultural exchanges and experiences, cities connect worldwide through Sister Cities International. Partnerships are officially recognized when the highest appointed elected official from both communities signs off on the sister cities agreement. The newly related cities create a connection that values commerce, education, and history.

Stretching across several continents, Boston’s 11 sister cities are just as diverse in culture and share our city's indomitable spirit.

Here’s a look at a few of Boston’s Sister Cities:

The oldest sister city: Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto was designated as Boston’s first sister city in 1959. Twenty years later an exhibit called the “Japanese House” was gifted to the Boston Children’s Museum to commemorate their relationship. The structure is a permanent exhibit at the museum to this day.

The furthest sister city: Melbourne, Australia

Clocking in at 10,600 miles from Logan International, the capital of Australia's Victoria state became a sister city back in 1985. Sharing an appreciation for museums and universities, Melbourne has assisted in creating programs in conjunction with Bentley College.

The newest sister city: Praia, Cape Verde

This archipelago and island nation off of the western coast of Africa became Boston’s most recent sister city in 2015. Cape Verdeans first came to the Boston area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries seeking employment. Nowadays, Praia and Boston share social and academic endeavors.

The rest of Boston's sister cities are:

Barcelona, Spain
Beira, Mozambique
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Hangzhou, China
Padua, Italy
Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana
Strasbourg, France
Taipei, Taiwan, People’s Republic of China

Learn more about Sister Cities International and its programs.