Robert Elz schrieb:
| Anyway, I propose a better rule specifically for simple case like a | country being in only one timezone: just use the name of the | Capital City. At first glance, that sounds like it would be reasonable, but in practice, it doesn't work.
What about using the "most important" city? Importance would be determined by the following factors: * number of inhabitants (most important factor) * political status (capitals get a bonus) * historical usage (cities already in use get a bonus, too) It would also explain anomalies like Europe/Berlin (should be Europe/Rhein-Rhur) and Europe/Rome (should be Europe/Milan). If you argue that these are not anomalies, then for the same arguments, Europe/London is (should be Europe/Birmingham).
Currently India has just Asia/Calcutta (which may be Asia/Kolkata after the next update), but by applying the "single zone" rule, it would have to be Asia/Delhi instead (maybe Asia/New_Delhi - that doesn't need to concern us right now).
Which is a good thing if Indians look for Asia/Delhi first because that's their national capital.
Then Asia/Calcutta (or Kolkata) would return for the eastern half, but the western would probably be Asia/Mumbai (and Asia/Delhi would vanish - or turn into a compatability link).
Well, the "most important" city in the western half would still be Asia/Delhi.
The big advantage to the "largest population centre" is that it applies easily, and without much in the way of arguments, in all zones.
Why are there anomalies like Europe/Rome and Europe/Berlin, then? Claus