A queen has many subjects, but let's not forget she also has quite a few sisters. A fascinating nugget of Charlotte history is the city's ties to the international community — with "sister cities" stretching seven countries across four continents.

What are "sister cities?"

Sister cities, also known as "twin towns," are long-term partnerships between two communities in different countries. The relationship is formalized when the highest elected or appointed officials from both communities sign a formal agreement.

A sister city relationship with Charlotte requires citizen involvement, city council approval, and $50,000 in donations. After both mayors sign the agreement, volunteers coordinate activities to build the partnership.

Sister city relationships are meant to promote peace and mutual respect while fostering cultural exchanges through business, education, technology, and the arts.

Going back in time

The modern concept of sister cities in the US was popularized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to heal international relationships in the wake of World War II.

On Feb. 5, 1962, Charlotte formally started its first partnership with Arequipa, Peru.

Fun fact: The distance between Charlotte and Arequipa is 3,617 miles.

All Charlotte's "sisters"

Arequipa, Peru — established on Feb. 5, 1962
Krefeld, Germany — established on May 23, 1985
Baoding, China — established on Jan. 12, 1987
Limoges, France — established on July 27, 1992
Wrocław, Poland — established on Sept. 5, 1993
Kumasi, Ghana — established on Aug. 12, 1995

Editor's note: In 2022, the Charlotte-based nonprofit, AfroCareCLT, led a fundraising effort to build a middle school for children in Kumasi, Ghana — thanks in part to the sister city partnership.