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While most countries have a capital city dedicated for the government, judiciary and all of a nation’s decision making, there are some that break the norm by dividing their capitals based on political, economic, historical, or cultural functions. For example, South Africa’s got more than two capital cities, while Indonesia is planning to build a new one, apart from Jakarta, which is it’s current capital and one of the Southeast Asia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Nonetheless, here’s a look at countries that have more than one capital, which serve various purposes. (Image: Canva)
2 / 13No 1. South Africa | South Africa stands out with not or two, but three capital cities. It is the only country in the world with this distinction. Pretoria is called its administrative capital which houses the President, government ministries and embassies; Cape Town is its Legislative capital, which is home to the Parliament of South Africa, and Bloemfontein is its Judicial capital as it hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal. (Image: Canva)
3 / 13No 2. The Netherlands | This coutry has divided its capital into two according to cultural and governmental functions. Amsterdam is the official capital that represents the country’s history and culture and hosts royal ceremonies and national events. While, The Hague is its administrative or political capital, as it houses the government, parliament and Supreme Court. (Image: Canva)
4 / 13No 3. Burundi | Before 2018, Burundi had only one capital, Bujumbura. However, in 2018, the country shifted its political capital to Gitega, which now houses the President, government offices, and administrative institutions. Bujumbura, meanwhile, remains the largest city and main economic hub and is referred to as the economic or commercial capital. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 13No 4. Afghanistan | Kabul is the official and political capital of Afghanistan, which houses the government, parliament, ministries and embassies. Kandahar, meanwhile, is often referred to as the historical and spiritual capital. It is also called the birthplace of the Taliban. (AP Photo/Wali Sabawoon)
6 / 13No 5. Indonesia | Jakarta is the official capital of Indonesia. It is considered the largest city in the country and serves as the political, economic and cultural centre. But in 2022, the government announced plans to shift the capital to the under-construction city, Nusantara, upon completion. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)
7 / 13No 6. Sri Lanka | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte or Kotte is the official capital of Sri Lanka, which houses the Parliament. While Colombo remains the economic powerhouse and still carries out many government functions. It is home to the President’s office, ministries and embassies.
8 / 13No 7. Benin | Porto-Novo is the official capital, chosen for its history and symbolic importance. But in reality, most of the country’s power lies in Cotonou. It’s the biggest city, home to the president’s office, key ministries, embassies, and the country’s main and busiest port. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 13No 8. Bolivia | Bolivia is also one of the few countries with two capitals. Sucre is called the constitutional or judicial capital because it houses the Supreme Court, whereas La Paz is known as the administrative or political capital. It is home to government offices, parliament and the presidential palace. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)
10 / 13No 9. Chile | Unlike countries that split their capitals, Chile has one official capital, Santiago, which is home to the presidential palace La Moneda, the Supreme Court, ministries, and foreign embassies. However, its National Congress meets in Valparaiso, which is known as the Legislative capital. (Image: Reuters)
11 / 13No 10. Malaysia | Before 1999, Malaysia had only one capital, Kuala Lumpur, which is the largest city in the country. It is home to Parliament and the royal palace. However, the country introduced Putrajaya as the administrative capital to ease congestion in Kuala Lumpur. Putrajaya now houses the Prime Minister’s office, key ministries, and most federal administrative institutions.
12 / 13No 11. Eswatini | Mbabane is called the administrative capital of Eswatini. Home to the government offices, ministries, and most embassies, it handles the day-to-day administrative work. On the other hand, Lobamba is called the legislative and royal capital, which houses the Parliament and royal residences. (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Eswatini Tourism)
13 / 13No 12. Ivory Coast | Yamoussoukro was chosen as the official capital to honour the first president’s birthplace. It houses the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly, and some government offices. Abidjan is the country’s economic capital, which hosts ministries, embassies, businesses, and the stock exchange. (Image: Reuters)
