Ternate is a city located in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. It is situated off the west coast of Halmahera and consists of five islands: Ternate, which is the largest and primary island, as well as 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 also acts as a major hub for neighboring regions.
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, eventually becoming a primary point of interest for competing European powers.