In world geography, which city is popularly known as the gold capital of the world because of its rich history of gold mining?

Introduction / Context:
Many cities around the world are associated with specific titles that reflect their economic or historical importance. This question asks which city is popularly known as the gold capital of the world. Such questions link geography with economic history and are commonly seen in general knowledge sections of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are looking for a city level nickname, not a country nickname.
• The title in question is gold capital of the world.
• Options include Johannesburg, Paris, Dubai, and Saudi as a general reference.
• We must identify which city has a strong connection with gold mining that justifies this title.

Concept / Approach:
Johannesburg in South Africa is widely known as the city of gold and often called the gold capital of the world. This is because it developed rapidly after major gold deposits were discovered in the Witwatersrand region. Large scale mining transformed the city economy and skyline. Although Dubai is famous for gold markets and jewellery trading, the historic title of gold capital is mainly associated with Johannesburg mining background.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which cities are strongly tied to gold extraction rather than only gold trade. Step 2: Johannesburg history is closely linked with the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand area in the late nineteenth century. Step 3: This discovery turned Johannesburg into a major mining and financial centre, earning it the title of city of gold or gold capital. Step 4: Compare this with the other options. Paris is known for fashion and culture, Dubai for trade and luxury, and Saudi usually refers to Saudi Arabia, a country, not a city. Step 5: Conclude that Johannesburg is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by remembering that South Africa has long been one of the world largest producers of gold and that Johannesburg grew around gold mining shafts and related industries. Tourism materials, documentaries, and geography texts frequently highlight Johannesburg nickname as the city of gold. Dubai is famous for gold souks and jewellery markets, but that reputation is more about trade than original mining and does not usually carry the title gold capital of the world in standard GK references.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Paris: Known as the city of light and a global fashion capital, not for gold mining.
• Dubai: Famous for gold markets and luxury shopping, but it is not the traditional mining based gold capital.
• Saudi: This is a country reference and not a city name, and it is more associated with oil than gold.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes choose Dubai because they associate gold with jewellery shopping and tourist images of gold souks. This happens if they focus on modern retail rather than historical mining. Another confusion is treating Saudi as a city name, which it is not. To avoid such errors, always remember that Johannesburg economic rise was driven by gold mining and that this connection is the primary reason for its gold related nickname.

Final Answer:
The city popularly known as the gold capital of the world is Johannesburg.