Dual Capitals: How Countries Divide Power Across Cities

Apr 22, 2025 Kriti Keshari

Some countries have more than one capital city, each serving a distinct purpose in governance

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South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial), splitting its government across cities

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India features multiple state capitals like Mumbai & Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Shimla & Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) to balance regional governance

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Sucre is Bolivia’s constitutional capital, while La Paz holds the seat of government and executive functions

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The Netherlands names Amsterdam as its official capital, but The Hague hosts the government, parliament, and royal court

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Kuala Lumpur is the national capital of Malaysia, while Putrajaya is the administrative center housing federal government offices

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Sri Lanka’s Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital, and Colombo remains the commercial and executive hub

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