Below is a more detailed explanation of why these countries operate with multiple capitals:
- South Africa
South Africa uniquely distributes its governmental functions across three cities:
- Pretoria – Serves as the executive capital, where the President's official offices and ministries are located.
- Cape Town – The legislative capital, housing the Parliament.
- Bloemfontein – The judicial capital, where the Supreme Court of Appeal is based.
This separation dates back to compromises made during the country's unification to prevent any single city from dominating national governance.
- Bolivia
Bolivia maintains two capitals:
- La Paz – The de facto capital where the President's offices and national government function.
- Sucre – Recognized as the constitutional capital and home to the Supreme Court.
This split stems from historical conflicts about where the government should reside, leading to a compromise.
- Netherlands
- Amsterdam – Officially designated as the capital.
- The Hague – Hosts the seat of government, the monarchy, and international organizations such as the International Court of Justice.
Despite Amsterdam's status, all administrative functions take place in The Hague.
- Sri Lanka
- Colombo – The largest city and center for commerce and judiciary.
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte – The legislative capital, housing the Parliament.
Colombo was the original capital, but Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte was later designated to reduce congestion.
- Benin
- PortoNovo – Official capital.
- Cotonou – The de facto center of administration and economic activities.
Cotonou functions as the hub for business and governance, despite PortoNovo's official status.
- Eswatini (Swaziland)
- Mbabane – Administrative capital.
- Lobamba – Legislative and royal capital.
Lobamba holds cultural and historical significance as the seat of the monarchy.
- Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur – Constitutional and financial capital.
- Putrajaya – Hosts the federal government's administrative offices.
Putrajaya was developed to accommodate government functions separately from Kuala Lumpur.
- Ivory Coast
- Yamoussoukro – Official capital.
- Abidjan – Economic and administrative hub.
Abidjan continues to function as the practical capital due to infrastructure and economic significance.
- Indonesia
- Nusantara – Officially announced as the new capital.
- Jakarta – De facto capital for administration and economy.
Indonesia is relocating the capital to Nusantara to address congestion and environmental challenges in Jakarta.
- Afghanistan
- Kabul – Political, administrative, and economic capital.
- Kandahar – Considered an informal, historic capital with strong regional influence.
Kandahar was historically the capital of Afghanistan and remains a key city in governance.
Each of these countries has distinct reasons for distributing their government operations across multiple locations.
