Ternate, also known as the City of Ternate, is an island city located in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. It is situated off the west coast of Halmahera and is composed of five islands: Ternate, which is the largest and main island, along with Moti, Hiri, Tifure, and Mayau. The city covers a total land area of 162.20 square kilometres.
As the most populous and densely populated city in the province of North Maluku, Ternate serves as the region's economic, cultural, and educational center. It functioned as the de facto provincial capital until Sofifi became the official capital in 2010. The city acts as a primary hub for neighboring regions and has seen its population grow to an estimated 210,836 as of mid-2024.
Historically, Ternate was the capital of the Sultanate of Ternate during the 15th and 16th centuries. During this period, it engaged in conflict with the Sultanate of Tidore over control of the spice trade in the Moluccas. These resources eventually made the city a primary point of interest for competing European powers.