Countries with more than one capital city

The upheavals of wars, revolutions, and collapsing empires in the 20th century unexpectedly benefited capital cities.

In 1900, only around 40 nations had designated capital cities, according to professor David Gordon in the preface to 'Planning Twentieth Century Capital Cities.'

By the year 2000, this number surged to over 200 as new countries were formed following the dissolution of the British and French empires, as well as the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

The majority of nations opted for a single city to serve as their capital.

This is where lawmakers gather to enact legislation, and where the central administrative functions of the country are typically based,” explains Gordon, a professor of urban planning at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. “Co-locating these functions creates significant synergies.”

However, some nations have chosen the approach that more capital cities are better. From Benin's coastline to the Kingdom of eSwatini, there are countries around the world that boast two or more capital cities.

The reasons for this choice differ. As Gordon points out, when countries are formed from distinct regions, like the United States or South Africa, regional competition for power can play a role.

“No region wants its rival to hold the title of the nation’s capital,” says Gordon. “This dynamic involves very intricate political negotiations.”

The United States solved this issue by establishing Washington, D.C., on an undeveloped plot along the Potomac River. South Africa, on the other hand, chose to split its government functions between Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein.

Choosing a capital city is often more complicated than it seems.

In 1973, Tanzania decided to move its capital to Dodoma, located hundreds of miles inland from Dar es Salaam, the colonial-era capital.

“Empires set up administrative centers for their colonies, usually along the coast to facilitate sea access to the imperial capital,” says Gordon. “A common trend in post-colonial nations is relocating the capital to the country’s interior to ensure it is accessible to all citizens.”

The cultural attachment to historic capitals can be difficult to shake. Dar es Salaam continues to host many government activities, and it wasn’t until 2019 that Tanzania’s president moved his office to the newly designated capital of Dodoma.

Tanzania isn't the only nation where leaders struggled to settle on a capital location.

“Canada took a long time to settle on Ottawa,” says Gordon. “At one point, the capital switched every two years because the Federation couldn’t agree on a permanent location.”

As travelers await the end of the coronavirus pandemic, some are indulging in armchair travel and planning future trips. Consider which capitals from these countries you might want to visit—perhaps one or both?

Leaving politics aside, Gordon sees a bright side to his country’s complex geographical history and to the global landscape of nations with multiple capitals: “It’s perfect for Trivial Pursuit.”

Benin: Porto-Novo and Cotonou

The vibrant port city of Cotonou greets visitors with its lively atmosphere and rhythmic energy, and it’s no surprise that the country’s largest city also serves as the government’s hub.

However, the official capital is located an hour away in Porto-Novo, where the buzz of city life fades into tree-lined avenues and historic buildings.

The division of power between Porto-Novo and Cotonou has existed since before Benin gained full independence from France in 1960.

Bolivia: La Paz and Sucre

Nestled among the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, La Paz is a breathtaking capital city.

Cable cars soar over a maze of busy streets, and the city’s spirited residents fill its historic squares, especially during frequent protests. While La Paz serves as the administrative capital of Bolivia, the constitutional capital is located hundreds of miles away in Sucre.

In the early days of Spanish rule, silver mined around Sucre transformed the city into an economic hub in the Andes. The rise of the tin industry made La Paz a powerful rival, and it remains Bolivia’s governmental heart to this day.

Chile: Santiago and Valparaíso

While Chile’s national administrative and judicial officials watch the snow settle on the Andes surrounding Santiago, the nation’s legislature enjoys a colorful sunset over the Pacific in the city of Valparaíso.

The two stunning cities are only 72 miles apart by road, yet they feel worlds apart. In Santiago, the official capital, modern skyscrapers rise in cool gray-blue tones, set against the rugged mountain peaks in the distance.

In the national legislature’s home of Valparaíso, the UNESCO-listed historic district is a charming, colorful treasure with a bohemian vibe.

Côte D’Ivoire: Yamoussoukro and Abidjan

Holding onto the presidency for over thirty years has its advantages.

President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who governed Côte D’Ivoire from 1960 to 1993, took the opportunity to make his childhood town of Yamoussoukro the country’s second capital in 1983.

However, compared to Abidjan, the original capital, Yamoussoukro remains relatively quiet. Abidjan is the de facto political center, where contemporary art at Galerie Cécile Fakhoury meets modernist buildings and bustling, vibrant markets.

Czech Republic: Prague and Brno

Gothic spires and Baroque rooftops adorn the Vltava River in Prague, a captivating city that beautifully showcases Czech culture and history.

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is Prague Castle, which sits within the UNESCO-listed historic center. Established in the 9th century, this vast castle continues to serve as the official office of the Czech Republic’s president.

The Supreme Court of the Czech Republic is located in the lesser-known second capital, Brno, a lively Moravian city. Here, stylish cafes are filled with students, and daring visitors can explore an underground ossuary that holds tens of thousands of human skeletons.

Kingdom of eSwatini: Mbabane and Lobamba

Formerly known as Swaziland, this small landlocked country packs a wildly diverse landscape into less than 7,000 square miles. In the west, steep escarpments rise from lush hills, which give way to arid grasslands near sea level.

Located in the Dlangeni Hills, Mbabane serves as the administrative capital. If you’re hoping to spot King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of eSwatini, you’ll need to visit Lobamba, the royal capital.

Lobamba is home to the royal family, who reside in the Ludzidzini Royal Residence, one of several royal estates spread across the country.

eSwatini’s annual arts and music festival is a prominent stop on the African festival circuit.

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant mix of minarets, futuristic skyscrapers, and bustling street markets, offering an intense dive into Malaysian life and culture. Rooftop bars stay lively through the night, and during rush hour, traffic grinds to a halt.

It’s not only the national capital but also the center of the legislature and the official residence of Malaysia’s monarch. However, even governments need a respite from the bustle of city life.

In 1995, the government began developing Putrajaya, a more tranquil city that stretches around a vast manmade lake.

While the new capital may lack historical charm, it compensates with vast open spaces. With room to expand, Putrajaya has become home to grand landmarks, including the striking bubblegum-pink Putra Mosque, now a major tourist attraction.

Montenegro: Podgorica and Cetinje

Cetinje boasts grand mansions and museums that reflect its past as Montenegro’s political center, with the President’s official residence still located in the city’s Empire-style Blue Palace.

Once the Royal Capital, Cetinje lost its significance to the larger city of Podgorica – then known as Titograd – following the Second World War.

Today, relaxed Podgorica is the seat of the government. Originally known as Birziminum during Roman times, it evolved into Slavic Ribnica, then became Socialist Titograd before adopting the name Podgorica in 1992 as Yugoslavia dissolved.

Netherlands: Amsterdam and The Hague

With its historic canals, trendy locals, and reputation as one of Europe’s top party destinations, Amsterdam is a city known far and wide.

Although the Netherlands’ constitution names Amsterdam as the capital, the real political action takes place in The Hague.

For centuries, the Netherlands' key governing institutions, including the States General, executive branch, and Supreme Court, have been based in this esteemed city.

To explore the city’s political heart, take a guided tour of Het Binnenhof, a historic complex of buildings surrounding the Gothic Knight’s Hall, where the King of the Netherlands delivers his annual speech from the throne.

South Africa: Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein

South Africa is the only country with three capitals, a distinctive system designed to distribute power across its regions.

Nestled between the shore and Table Mountain, Cape Town was once the capital of Britain’s Cape Colony and continues to serve as South Africa’s legislative capital.

By splitting the other branches of government between Pretoria and Bloemfontein, the newly formed Republic of South Africa ensured a fair distribution of power across the country.

Each capital offers its own appeal: Pretoria is famous for its vibrant jacaranda blossoms each September, while Bloemfontein is known for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Sri Lanka: Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

Colombo stretches along the Sri Lankan coast in a maze of bustling bazaars, colonial landmarks, and golden sandy shores.

The city radiates a bold charm, acting as the main entry point for most visitors exploring the island nation.

While the national and executive government bodies are based in Colombo, the official capital is nearby in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, often just called Kotte. The Sri Lankan Parliament Building is located there on a manmade island in the center of Diyawanna Lake.

Tanzania: Dar es Salaam and Dodoma

Sometimes, transitioning from one place to another takes decades.

In 1973, the Tanzanian government declared plans to shift the capital from Dar es Salaam on the coast to Dodoma, which was chosen for its central location.

Despite grand buildings and broad streets in Dodoma, many key government activities remain in Dar es Salaam. The city’s cultural vibrancy and the allure of the Indian Ocean, with its stunning marine reserve just offshore, may simply be too hard to leave behind.

After almost 50 years of gradual relocation, Tanzania’s government is finally making its way to Dodoma. In October 2019, President John Magufuli moved his office to the new capital.