Countries with Multiple Capitals: The Nations with More Than One
Countries with Multiple Capitals: The Nations with More Than One
Quick question: What's the capital of South Africa?
If you answered Pretoria, you're... partially correct. If you said Cape Town, you're also right. And if you guessed Bloemfontein, give yourself a point too.
South Africa has three capitals — and it's not alone. At least 15 countries have multiple capital cities, while several others have administrative setups so complex that even geography experts debate what counts.
This creates a fascinating challenge for geography enthusiasts: memorizing one capital per country is hard enough. But what about countries with two, three, or even more?
Let's explore every country with multiple capitals, why they chose this unusual arrangement, and how to remember them all.
🤔 Why Would a Country Have Multiple Capitals?
Before diving into the list, let's understand why any country would split its seat of power:
1. Federal Compromise
Different regions demand representation, so government functions are distributed.
Example: South Africa divided capitals among three provinces after apartheid considerations.
2. Historical Legacy
Capital functions evolved separately over time and were never consolidated.
Example: The Netherlands has both Amsterdam (constitutional) and The Hague (government seat).
3. Practical Separation
Deliberately separating branches of government for checks and balances.
Example: Bolivia's executive in La Paz, judiciary in Sucre.
4. Climate and Geography
Some capitals are seasonal or based on altitude/accessibility.
Example: Eswatini's dual capitals served different seasonal purposes.
5. Decolonization Compromise
Post-independence nations balanced competing claims.
Example: Sri Lanka's split between Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
🌍 The Complete List: Countries with Multiple Capitals
| Country | Capitals | Functions |
|---|---|---|
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein | Executive, Legislative, Judicial |
| 🇧🇴 Bolivia | La Paz, Sucre | Executive, Constitutional |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Amsterdam, The Hague | Constitutional, Government seat |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya | Official, Administrative |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Commercial, Legislative |
| 🇸🇿 Eswatini | Mbabane, Lobamba | Executive/Administrative, Legislative/Royal |
| 🇧🇯 Benin | Porto-Novo, Cotonou | Official, De facto/Government seat |
| 🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire | Yamoussoukro, Abidjan | Official, De facto |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | Dodoma, Dar es Salaam | Official, Former/Major city |
| 🇲🇲 Myanmar | Naypyidaw, Yangon | Official, Former/Economic |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | Jerusalem, Tel Aviv | Declared, International recognition |
| 🇵🇸 Palestine | Ramallah, Gaza City | West Bank admin, Gaza admin |
| 🇨🇿 Czechia | Prague (sole) | But Brno hosts courts |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Berlin (sole) | But Bonn retains some ministries |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Bern (de facto) | Federal city, not official capital |
Now let's examine each fascinating case in detail.
🇿🇦 South Africa — The Three-Capital Nation
Capitals: Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein
South Africa has the most complex capital arrangement of any country, with three official capitals serving different branches of government:
The Three Capitals:
Pretoria — Executive Capital
- •Home to the President and cabinet
- •Location of the Union Buildings (seat of government)
- •Most embassies are located here
- •Population: 2.5 million (metro)
Cape Town — Legislative Capital
- •Home to Parliament (National Assembly and National Council)
- •Where laws are debated and passed
- •Parliament meets here annually (January–June typically)
- •Population: 4.6 million (metro)
Bloemfontein — Judicial Capital
- •Home to the Supreme Court of Appeal
- •The highest court for non-constitutional matters
- •Located in Free State province
- •Population: 750,000 (metro)
Why Three Capitals?
The arrangement dates to the 1910 formation of the Union of South Africa, which united four British colonies:
| Colony | Became | Capital Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Colony | Cape Province | Cape Town → Legislative |
| Transvaal | Transvaal Province | Pretoria → Executive |
| Orange River Colony | Free State | Bloemfontein → Judicial |
| Natal | Natal Province | Pietermaritzburg (missed out) |
Each major region demanded a capital role as the price of unification. This compromise has survived over a century, including the transition from apartheid to democracy.
The Cost of Complexity
This arrangement is expensive. Parliament members commute between Pretoria and Cape Town. The government considered consolidating to Pretoria in 2017, but the plan was shelved due to:
- •Political resistance from Western Cape
- •Economic impact on Cape Town
- •Historical/cultural significance
Quiz Fact: South Africa is the only country in the world with three official capital cities.
🇧🇴 Bolivia — The Highest Capital in the World
Capitals: La Paz (executive), Sucre (constitutional)
Bolivia's capital situation confuses many geography students. The constitutional capital is Sucre, but the de facto capital where the government actually operates is La Paz.
La Paz — De Facto Capital
- •Altitude: 3,640 meters (11,942 feet) — highest capital in the world
- •Home to the President and executive branch
- •Where most government ministries operate
- •Population: 2.3 million (metro)
- •Actually sits in a canyon below the altiplano
Fun fact: La Paz's airport, El Alto, is at 4,061 meters — the highest international airport in the world.
Sucre — Constitutional Capital
- •Altitude: 2,810 meters (9,220 feet)
- •Official constitutional capital since independence (1825)
- •Home to the Supreme Court
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colonial architecture
- •Population: 300,000
- •Named after revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre
Why the Split?
Bolivia's capital was always Sucre — named after the independence hero and serving as the seat of government. But in the late 19th century, tin mining made La Paz economically dominant.
The Bolivian Civil War of 1899 (also called the Federal Revolution) saw La Paz defeat Sucre. Rather than completely strip Sucre of status, a compromise emerged:
- •Executive and legislative branches → La Paz
- •Supreme Court → Sucre
- •Constitutional capital status → Sucre
This arrangement persists today, though La Paz is where power actually resides.
Which Capital Do Maps Show?
This depends on the source:
- •Some maps show Sucre (the constitutional capital)
- •Some show La Paz (the functional capital)
- •Some show both
- •GeoGuesser typically accepts both
Quiz Fact: La Paz is the world's highest capital city, but it's technically only the de facto capital — Sucre is the constitutional one.
🇳🇱 Netherlands — The Constitutional vs. Government Seat
Capitals: Amsterdam (constitutional), The Hague (government seat)
The Netherlands presents another classic case of capital complexity:
Amsterdam — Constitutional Capital
- •Official capital per the Dutch constitution
- •Royal inaugurations take place here
- •Major cultural and economic center
- •Population: 1.1 million (city proper)
- •Home to the Royal Palace on Dam Square
The Hague — Government Seat
- •Home to Parliament (Staten-Generaal)
- •Where the Prime Minister works
- •Most embassies are located here
- •Home to the International Court of Justice
- •Population: 550,000 (city proper)
Why Two Capitals?
The split dates to the Dutch Golden Age (17th century). Amsterdam was the wealthy commercial hub, while The Hague housed the States-General (parliament) of the Dutch Republic.
When the Kingdom of the Netherlands formed in 1815, the constitution declared Amsterdam the capital — but the government had been in The Hague for centuries and simply stayed there.
How to Remember:
- •Amsterdam = Article 32 of constitution (capital)
- •The Hague = where They Hold government sessions
Quiz Fact: The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court — making it arguably the judicial capital of the world.
🇲🇾 Malaysia — The Planned Administrative Capital
Capitals: Kuala Lumpur (official), Putrajaya (administrative)
Kuala Lumpur — Official Capital
- •Home to Parliament
- •Location of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers
- •Official capital since independence (1957)
- •Population: 1.8 million (city), 8 million (metro)
- •Name means "Muddy Confluence" (meeting of two rivers)
Putrajaya — Administrative Capital
- •Purpose-built city completed in 1999
- •Home to the Prime Minister's Office
- •Most federal ministries relocated here
- •Population: 100,000
- •Named after first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra
Why Build a New Capital?
In the 1990s, Kuala Lumpur was congested and running out of space for government expansion. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad ordered construction of Putrajaya, 25 km south of KL, as a planned administrative center.
The split functions:
| Function | Location |
|---|---|
| Parliament | Kuala Lumpur |
| King's Palace | Kuala Lumpur |
| Prime Minister | Putrajaya |
| Federal Ministries | Putrajaya |
| Supreme Court | Putrajaya |
Parallels to Other Planned Capitals
Putrajaya follows a trend of countries building new administrative capitals:
- •Brasília (Brazil) — replaced Rio de Janeiro
- •Canberra (Australia) — compromise between Sydney and Melbourne
- •Naypyidaw (Myanmar) — replaced Yangon
- •Astana/Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan) — replaced Almaty
Quiz Fact: Putrajaya has the largest roundabout in the world — the Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, with a 3.5 km circumference.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka — The Unpronounceable Capital
Capitals: Colombo (commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative)
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte — Official Capital
- •Full name: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- •Legislative capital since 1982
- •Home to the Parliament of Sri Lanka
- •Actually a suburb of Colombo
- •Population: 115,000
- •One of the longest capital names in the world
Colombo — Commercial Capital
- •Largest city and economic hub
- •Executive functions remain here
- •Most embassies located here
- •Population: 750,000 (city), 5.6 million (metro)
- •De facto capital in practice
Why the Move?
The Sri Lankan government designated Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte as the legislative capital in 1982, moving Parliament to a new complex there. The reasons included:
- 1Historical significance — Kotte was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kotte (15th-16th centuries)
- 2Decongestion — Moving government functions out of crowded Colombo
- 3National pride — An indigenous name replacing the colonial-era "Colombo"
How to Pronounce It:
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte:
- •Sri = SHREE
- •Jaya-warden-e-pura = JAH-yah-WAR-den-eh-POO-rah
- •Kotte = KOH-tay
It means "Resplendent City of Growing Victory" — quite the mouthful!
Quiz Fact: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is one of the longest capital city names in the world, with 24 letters (or 28 with spaces).
🇸🇿 Eswatini — Royal and Administrative Capitals
Capitals: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal/legislative)
The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has two capitals serving different functions:
Mbabane — Administrative Capital
- •Executive and administrative center
- •Most government ministries located here
- •Population: 95,000
- •Located in the western highlands
Lobamba — Royal and Legislative Capital
- •Home to Parliament
- •Location of the Royal Kraal (king's residence)
- •Site of traditional ceremonies like the Umhlanga (Reed Dance)
- •Population: 11,000
- •Traditional heart of the kingdom
Why Two?
The arrangement reflects Eswatini's status as one of Africa's last absolute monarchies:
- •Mbabane handles modern administrative functions
- •Lobamba preserves traditional royal governance
The king (currently Mswati III) holds significant power, and Lobamba's status ensures traditional authority remains central to governance.
Quiz Fact: Eswatini changed its name from Swaziland in 2018 — the king announced it on his 50th birthday and the country's 50th independence anniversary.
🇧🇯 Benin — The Official vs. De Facto Capital
Capitals: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (de facto)
Porto-Novo — Official Capital
- •Constitutionally the capital
- •Home to the National Assembly
- •Colonial-era buildings
- •Population: 265,000
- •Historic port city
Cotonou — De Facto Capital
- •Seat of government in practice
- •Largest city and economic hub
- •Where the President resides and works
- •Most embassies located here
- •Population: 680,000
- •Main port and airport
Why the Disconnect?
Porto-Novo was the colonial capital under France and retained the designation at independence (1960). But Cotonou had better infrastructure and quickly became where actual governance happened.
Various governments have considered officially recognizing Cotonou or moving functions to Porto-Novo, but neither has happened.
Quiz Fact: Porto-Novo means "New Port" in Portuguese — even though Benin was a French colony, Portuguese traders named the city earlier.
🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire — The Basilica Capital
Capitals: Yamoussoukro (official), Abidjan (de facto)
Yamoussoukro — Official Capital
- •Official capital since 1983
- •Birthplace of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny
- •Home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace — the largest church in the world
- •Population: 355,000
- •Very much a political statement rather than a practical capital
Abidjan — De Facto Capital
- •Economic powerhouse
- •Where the government actually operates
- •Most embassies remain here
- •Population: 5.5 million (metro)
- •Called the "Paris of West Africa"
The Basilica Story
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, consecrated in 1990, is larger than St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. President Houphouët-Boigny built it in his home village (then designated capital) at a cost of $300 million.
The church can hold 18,000 people — in a city of 355,000, in a country that's only 33% Christian.
Practical Reality
Despite being the official capital since 1983, Yamoussoukro has never truly functioned as one:
- •The President works in Abidjan
- •Parliament meets in Abidjan
- •Diplomats are based in Abidjan
Quiz Fact: The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest church in the world by area — built in a capital where the government doesn't actually work.
🇹🇿 Tanzania — The Incomplete Capital Move
Capitals: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (de facto)
Dodoma — Official Capital
- •Designated capital in 1973
- •Parliament moved here in 1996
- •Central location (geographic center of Tanzania)
- •Population: 450,000
- •Slower-paced administrative city
Dar es Salaam — De Facto Capital
- •Former capital and largest city
- •Major port and economic hub
- •Where most government functions remain
- •Most embassies located here
- •Population: 5.3 million
- •Name means "Haven of Peace" in Arabic
The Incomplete Transition
President Julius Nyerere designated Dodoma as capital in 1973, planning a complete move. Fifty years later, the transition remains incomplete:
| Function | Location |
|---|---|
| Parliament | Dodoma ✓ |
| President | Both cities |
| Most Ministries | Dar es Salaam |
| Embassies | Dar es Salaam |
| Economic center | Dar es Salaam |
The move stalled due to costs, infrastructure challenges, and the practical reality that Dar es Salaam is where everything actually happens.
Quiz Fact: Dodoma was chosen partly because it's at the geographic center of Tanzania — but 50 years later, the capital move is still incomplete.
🇲🇲 Myanmar — The Military's New Capital
Capitals: Naypyidaw (official), Yangon (former/commercial)
Naypyidaw — Official Capital
- •Capital since 2006
- •Purpose-built by the military government
- •Name means "Abode of Kings"
- •Population: 1.2 million (officially)
- •Famous for being eerily empty
Yangon — Former Capital
- •Capital until 2006
- •Largest city and economic center
- •Population: 5.5 million
- •Most embassies remain here (though slowly moving)
Why the Sudden Move?
In 2005, the military junta suddenly moved the capital to Naypyidaw, a planned city built in secret. Theories for the move include:
- 1Fear of invasion — Yangon is coastal and vulnerable; Naypyidaw is inland
- 2Astrology — The junta consulted astrologers who recommended the move
- 3Paranoia — A more controllable, purpose-built city
- 4Historical precedent — Ancient Burmese kings often moved capitals
The Empty Capital
Naypyidaw is famous for its massive, mostly empty highways and government buildings designed for a population that never came. It hosts major government functions but feels like a ghost city compared to bustling Yangon.
Quiz Fact: Naypyidaw has a 20-lane highway that's usually nearly empty — built for a city population that never materialized.
🇮🇱 Israel — The Disputed Capital
Capitals: Jerusalem (declared), Tel Aviv (international recognition)
Israel's capital is the most politically sensitive in the world:
Jerusalem — Declared Capital
- •Israel's declared capital since 1950
- •Home to the Knesset (parliament)
- •Supreme Court and government ministries
- •Population: 970,000
Tel Aviv — International Recognition
- •Where most embassies are located
- •Major economic center
- •Population: 460,000 (city), 4 million (metro)
Why the Controversy?
Jerusalem is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians:
- •Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and considers the unified city its "eternal capital"
- •Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state
- •Most countries don't recognize Jerusalem as capital due to the dispute
Embassy Status (as of 2024)
| Recognize Jerusalem | Don't Recognize |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States (moved 2018) | Most UN members |
| 🇬🇹 Guatemala | European Union |
| 🇭🇳 Honduras | China, Russia |
| 🇰🇸 Kosovo | Arab states |
| A few others | Most of the world |
Quiz Fact: For decades, geography textbooks showed Tel Aviv as Israel's capital because most countries didn't recognize Jerusalem — this is slowly changing.
🧠 Quiz: Test Your Multiple Capitals Knowledge!
1. How many official capitals does South Africa have?
<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>
Three — Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).
</details>
2. Which is the constitutional capital of Bolivia — La Paz or Sucre?
<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>
Sucre is the constitutional capital. La Paz is the de facto capital where the government operates.
</details>
3. What's the official capital of the Netherlands?
<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>
Amsterdam is the constitutional capital, though the government sits in The Hague.
</details>
4. Which Southeast Asian country built a new administrative capital called Putrajaya?
<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>
Malaysia — Putrajaya was built to relieve congestion in Kuala Lumpur.
</details>
5. Why is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte famous?
<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>
It's the legislative capital of Sri Lanka and has one of the longest capital city names in the world.
</details>
6. Which African country has the world's largest church in its capital where the government doesn't actually work?
<details>
<summary>Answer</summary>
Côte d'Ivoire — The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is in Yamoussoukro, but the government works in Abidjan.
</details>
📊 How to Remember Multiple Capitals
Here are some memory tricks:
South Africa — "PCB" or Think of Three Branches
- •Pretoria = President (Executive)
- •Cape Town = Congress/Parliament (Legislative)
- •Bloemfontein = Bench/Court (Judicial)
Bolivia — "La Paz Works, Sucre's Official"
- •La Paz = Where the government actually works
- •Sucre = Supreme Court and constitutional status
Netherlands — "Amsterdam's the A-lister, Hague Does the Work"
- •Amsterdam = Article of constitution
- •Hague = Where they Hold government meetings
Malaysia — "KL's Known, Put-rajaya's New"
- •Kuala Lumpur = Known capital
- •Putrajaya = Put there recently
🌍 Honorable Mentions: Complicated Capital Situations
Switzerland — No Official Capital
Switzerland doesn't have a constitutional capital. Bern is the "Federal City" where government sits, but it's not officially designated as capital.
Germany — Legacy Second Capital
While Berlin is the capital, Bonn (former West German capital) still hosts six federal ministries and is designated a "Federal City."
Czechia — Judicial Split
Prague is the capital, but Brno hosts the Constitutional Court and Supreme Administrative Court.
South Korea — Planned Move
South Korea designated Sejong City as an administrative capital in 2012, moving some ministries there. Seoul remains the official capital.
🎯 Tips for Geography Games
When playing country guessing games or geography quizzes:
- 1Know both capitals for countries with dual arrangements
- 2Default to the official/constitutional capital unless specified
- 3Watch for trick questions — they might ask for the "largest city" vs. "capital"
- 4Remember de facto capitals — often more important practically
Which Capital Will Games Accept?
| Country | Usually Accepted |
|---|---|
| South Africa | Pretoria (most common) |
| Bolivia | Both La Paz and Sucre |
| Netherlands | Amsterdam |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo or Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
| Eswatini | Mbabane |
| Benin | Porto-Novo |
| Côte d'Ivoire | Yamoussoukro |
| Tanzania | Dodoma |
| Myanmar | Naypyidaw |
🔮 Future Capital Changes?
Several countries are considering capital arrangements:
Indonesia — Moving to Nusantara
Indonesia is building a new capital called Nusantara on Borneo to replace Jakarta. Expected completion: 2045.
Egypt — New Administrative Capital
Egypt is building a New Administrative Capital east of Cairo to relieve congestion.
South Korea — Sejong Expansion
More government functions may move to Sejong City.
🎮 Test Your Knowledge!
Now that you know about countries with multiple capitals, can you locate them all on a blank map?
Challenge yourself with our Name All Countries Quiz and see if you can identify every country — bonus points if you can name both their capitals!
Enjoyed this article? Explore more geographic curiosities: [Countries That Changed Their Names](/blog/countries-that-changed-their-names), [Countries That Were Never Colonized](/blog/countries-never-colonized), and [Countries With No Military](/blog/countries-with-no-military).