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Countries That Have Multiple Capital Cities

Martin Ruiz06 mins

Countries with Multiple Capitals

Countries around the globe often feature more than one capital city, each serving distinct governmental roles. Consequently, this intriguing designation can reveal unique cultural and political landscapes. Here, we explore several nations that host multiple capitals and highlight their significance.

Tanzania

The Tanzanian Parliament building is situated in Dodoma, which became the official capital of Tanzania in 2019 when President John Magufuli moved his office there.

The Tanzanian Parliament building in Dodoma, Tanzania: In 2019, Tanzanian President John Magufuli moved his office to Dodoma.
The Tanzanian Parliament building in Dodoma, Tanzania: In 2019, Tanzanian President John Magufuli moved his office to Dodoma.

Benin

Porto-Novo serves as the official capital of Benin, while Cotonou acts as the country’s de facto capital. The architecture in Porto-Novo is historically influenced by the Afro-Brazilian culture of formerly enslaved people.

Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo, Benin: Historic architecture in Porto-Novo, the official capital of Benin, is influenced by the Afro-Brazilian culture brought here by formerly enslaved people.
Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo, Benin: Historic architecture in Porto-Novo, the official capital of Benin, is influenced by the Afro-Brazilian culture brought here by formerly enslaved people.

Bolivia

Bolivia features two capitals: La Paz serves as the administrative capital while Sucre retains the title of constitutional capital. This duality supports a complex governmental structure that caters to diverse regional needs.

Cable cars in La Paz, Bolivia: With views of towering peaks, a network of cable cars shuttles passengers through Bolivia's high-altitude administrative capital.
Cable cars in La Paz, Bolivia: With views of towering peaks, a network of cable cars shuttles passengers through Bolivia’s high-altitude administrative capital.

Chile

In Chile, Santiago serves as the administrative capital, while Valparaíso is home to the National Congress. The blend of historical and modern elements in these cities represents Chile’s dynamic political scene.

Colorful houses in Valparaíso, Chile: The historic center of this coastal Chilean city, where the national legislature is based, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Colorful houses in Valparaíso, Chile: The historic center of this coastal Chilean city, where the national legislature is based, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Côte D’Ivoire

Côte D’Ivoire also features multiple capitals, with Yamoussoukro designated as the political capital, whereas Abidjan is the economic capital. This distinction supports regional development and cultural diversity.

Sofitel Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire: The de-facto seat of government in Côte D'Ivoire includes landmarks of Afro-Modernism, such as this hotel tower built in 1964.
Sofitel Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire: The de-facto seat of government in Côte D’Ivoire includes landmarks of Afro-Modernism, such as this hotel tower built in 1964.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, Prague is the official capital, home to the President, while Brno holds significant judicial importance as the location of the Supreme Court. This separation fosters a rich blend of administration and law.

Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic: The President of the Czech Republic is officially based in Prague Castle, which was founded in the 9th century.
Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic: The President of the Czech Republic is officially based in Prague Castle, which was founded in the 9th century.

Kingdom of eSwatini

The Kingdom of eSwatini has two capitals, Mbabane and Lobamba. Mbabane serves as the administrative capital while Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital, making this duality an essential part of their governance.

Ezulwini Valley in the Kingdom of eSwatini: Mbabane, the administrative capital of the Kingdom of eSwatini, is located near this scenic landscape of rocky mountains.
Ezulwini Valley in the Kingdom of eSwatini: Mbabane, the administrative capital of the Kingdom of eSwatini, is located near this scenic landscape of rocky mountains.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s capital is Kuala Lumpur, known for its vibrant urban life, while Putrajaya serves as the federal administrative center. This arrangement enhances governmental efficiency and modern urban planning.

Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia: Perched on the edge of a manmade lake, this bright-pink mosque is a major landmark in the new Malaysian capital of Putrajaya.
Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia: Perched on the edge of a manmade lake, this bright-pink mosque is a major landmark in the new Malaysian capital of Putrajaya.

Montenegro

Montenegro has its government based in the historic city of Podgorica, with Cetinje recognized as the Old Royal Capital. This historical distinction enriches the country’s cultural heritage.

Blue Palace in Cetinje, Montenegro: The official residence of Montenegro's president is the Blue Palace in Cetinje, the country's Old Royal Capital.
Blue Palace in Cetinje, Montenegro: The official residence of Montenegro’s president is the Blue Palace in Cetinje, the country’s Old Royal Capital.

South Africa

South Africa is notable for its three capitals: Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative). This unique arrangement showcases the nation’s diverse political framework.

Cape Town harbor in South Africa: With a spectacular coastal location, Cape Town was the capital of Britain's Cape Colony.
Cape Town harbor in South Africa: With a spectacular coastal location, Cape Town was the capital of Britain’s Cape Colony.


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