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10 Countries With Multiple Capital Cities

Published

6 months ago

May 3, 2025

While most countries have just one capital city, a few around the world take a different approach, splitting national duties across two or even three capital cities.

Whether for historical, political, or logistical reasons, these nations have chosen to spread out their centers of power.

From South Africa’s trio of capitals to Bolivia’s high-altitude split, here are 10 countries that operate with more than one capital city—and why.

1. South Africa

South Africa is a pretty unique country. it has three capital cities instead of one like you would expect. South Africa has Pretoria; the administrative capital, Cape Town the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein the judicial capital. In layman words Pretoria handles the government’s day-to-day stuff, Cape Town is where laws get made, and Bloemfontein takes care of the courts. This setup spreads power out across the country and helps make sure different regions and groups have a say. Cape Town is super popular with tourists due to its beaches, epic mountain views, and loads of outdoor fun. Pretoria has its own fans too, especially when the jacaranda trees bloom in spring and turn the city purple. Then there’s Bloemfontein, the chill one of the three, with a more residential, laid-back, and all about the legal side of things.

2. Bolivia

Bolivia is a country with two capitals: La Paz and Sucre. This split came about in the 1800s because of differing political views about the country’s future. La Paz is the main capital for the government, where the executive and legislative branches are based. It’s the world’s highest capital, sitting at over 3,650 meters above sea level, in the Andes Mountains. Just next to it is El Alto, a city up in the highlands, where the towering Mt. Illimani looms at 6,438 meters. For a unique experience, you can take a ride on the Mi Teleférico cable car, which offers amazing views of the area. Sucre, located in southern Bolivia, is the country’s constitutional and judicial capital. It’s known for its historical Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia’s Declaration of Independence was signed in 1825. The city’s whitewashed buildings and stunning architecture are a big draw for tourists. The Plaza 25 de Mayo, Sucre’s main square, features the grand Metropolitan Cathedral, and nearby is the Museo Universitario Colonial Charcas, which showcases both religious artifacts and modern art.

3. Netherlands

This is a country known for its two capitals; Amsterdam and Hague. Amsterdam is known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere and famous party scene, is the official capital of the Netherlands. However, the country’s government is actually based in The Hague, which is home to the Dutch Legislature, cabinet, and Supreme Court. The Hague serves as the real political centre of the nation, where the Dutch monarchy resides and where the King delivers his annual throne speech. For centuries, The Hague has hosted the Dutch Parliament and government. Additionally, it is the location of important global institutions such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

4. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two capitals: Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Colombo is the country’s main city for government work and law, and it’s also the largest city and financial hub. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is where the Sri Lankan Parliament is located and is the legislative capital. Colombo is a lively city with colourful streets, busy life, beautiful beaches, and a popular nightlife. Because Colombo became too crowded over time, the national legislature moved to the nearby city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte leaving the nation with two capitals. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte was made the official capital in 1982, but Colombo remains a key city.

5. Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland)

Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa that has two capitals. Mbabane and Lobamba. Mbabane is the administrative capital, where most government offices are located. Mbabane was founded in 1902 by the British, who made it the capital of the colony. Lobamba is the second capital, where the royal family lives and the country’s Parliament meets. Lobamba is also the centre of traditional and political power in Eswatini, while Mbabane handles the day-to-day government functions.

6. Benin

Benin, a country in West Africa that has two capitals. Porto-Novo and Cotonou. Porto-Novo is the official capital and is located in the southeast near the Gulf of Guinea. It is where the National Assembly meets. However, most government offices and ministries are based in Cotonou, the country’s largest city. Cotonou is also a popular spot for tourists, known for its attractions and importance as the centre of government operations.

7. Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, has two key cities serving different national roles. Abidjan is the country’s largest city and economic powerhouse. Though not the official capital, it functions as the practical centre of government, housing most government offices, foreign embassies, and key institutions. Known for its lively culture, modern buildings, and busy markets, Abidjan plays a vital role in the country’s daily operations. Yamoussoukro, located in the centre of the country, is the official political and administrative capital. In 1983, President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who was born there, declared Yamoussoukro the new capital in an effort to promote development away from the coast. Despite this designation, many government functions and institutions remain in Abidjan due to its established infrastructure and global connections. Notably, Yamoussoukro is also home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest churches in the world.

8. Malaysia

Malaysia has two key cities that share national functions: Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Kuala Lumpur, the official capital, is known for its vibrant nightlife, cultural diversity, and iconic landmarks. It houses the national legislature and the ceremonial residence of Malaysia’s monarch. As the country’s largest city, it also serves as the financial and commercial heart of the nation. To ease congestion and better manage administrative tasks, the government initiated the development of Putrajaya in 1995. Built around an artificial lake and located about 25 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya was designed as a modern, master-planned administrative centre. Today, it hosts most federal ministries, government agencies, and the Prime Minister’s official residence. It also serves as the judicial capital, home to the country’s highest courts. Putrajaya is a key part of Malaysia’s “Multimedia Super Corridor” (MSC), a high-tech development zone that includes major infrastructure like the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the nearby Petronas Twin Towers. While Putrajaya handles most government operations, Kuala Lumpur remains the official capital and continues to be the economic and cultural powerhouse of Malaysia.

9. Tanzania

Tanzania, located in East Africa, operates with two capitals: Dodoma and Dar es Salaam. Dodoma is the official capital, where the country’s main government buildings and the National Assembly are based. Although it was designated as the capital back in 1974, the full shift of government functions began much later, with Dodoma officially gaining capital status in 1996. The move aimed to place the capital in a more central location, making governance more accessible across the country. Despite this, Dar es Salaam continues to function as the de facto centre of government activity. It remains the largest city and economic powerhouse of Tanzania, home to key institutions such as Ikulu (the Presidential residence), several government ministries, foreign embassies, and international organizations. As a coastal city, Dar es Salaam also serves as the main port and commercial gateway, playing a critical role in trade and infrastructure. Today, while Dodoma handles legislative responsibilities and some administrative duties, Dar es Salaam continues to be the heart of Tanzania’s economy, diplomacy, and international affairs.

10. Chile

Chile has two main cities that serve different capital functions: Santiago and Valparaíso, which are located just about 72 miles (116 kilometres) apart. Santiago is the official capital and the largest city in the country. It serves as the main centre for political administration, finance, culture, and tourism, known for its busy urban life and modern architecture. In an effort to distribute political power more evenly across the country after the end of Augusto Pinochet’s military regime, Chile moved its National Congress to Valparaíso in 1990. This coastal city, known for its colourful hills, historic charm, and vibrant artistic scene, became the legislative capital. Today, Santiago remains the seat of the presidency and executive functions, while Valparaíso is where the Chilean Parliament meets, helping to decentralize governance and promote regional development.

News

Why Sowore Was Taken To Prison After Bail – Police

Published

4 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

The court granted bail to Sowore with N500,000 and two sureties, which his legal team was working to perfect at the time of the police action.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja shortly after the incident, human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, accused the police of violently attacking and removing Sowore moments after his bail was granted.

Adeyanju alleged that more than 50 armed officers stormed the court premises, descended on Sowore, and took him away by force while refusing to present a valid remand order.

“Sowore had just been granted bail, and while we were conferring with him here, the police suddenly launched an attack. More than 50 officers violently descended on him and took him away by force. We don’t even know where they have taken him,” he said.

He said the officer who led the operation briefly displayed what he claimed was a remand order but refused to allow Sowore’s lawyers to inspect it.

Adeyanju said, “The officer flashed the document, and when we insisted on reviewing it, he pocketed it and ordered that they must go.

“When we asked where they were taking him, he said Kuje Prison. We demanded to see the remand order as endorsed by the court, but he refused.”

He further alleged that during the scuffle, the police accused Sowore of insulting the Inspector General of Police, saying, “Because Sowore called the IG useless, they must deal with him.”

News

FIFA’s Use Of Kebbi Stadium In Banner Sparks Outrage, Funding Row

Published

4 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

Global football body FIFA has stirred a storm of reactions across Nigeria after showcasing the Birnin Kebbi Stadium project in Kebbi State — a facility co-funded with the Nigeria Football Federation — on its official social media pages.

FIFA on Saturday used an image of the project, dating back to 2023, as the new profile banner on its official X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.

The image, showing a half-furnished stadium in Birnin Kebbi, quickly went viral.

Built under the FIFA Forward Programme, the stadium was meant to symbolise progress in grassroots football. But as the photo circulated online, fans flooded social media with outrage and speculation.

Some netizens interpreted FIFA’s post as a subtle jab at the NFF, following recent allegations of fund mismanagement.

The uproar comes just days after football critic Chinedu Mobike, via his official Instagram handle #c_mobike, on October 23, 2025, accused the NFF of squandering millions of dollars meant for infrastructure projects, including its twin project in Delta State.

Mobike, in his viral video, claimed that FIFA gave the NFF “1.2 million dollars for two stadiums” — one in Kebbi and another in Ugborodo, Delta State — which, he alleged, “till today did not see daylight.”

Comparing Nigeria’s FIFA-funded projects with those of other nations, Mobike alleged that while “other countries used the funds to truly develop football, Nigeria produced nothing to show.

“The NFF should sit up…There are no active projects promoting football or sports in Nigeria,” Mobike said.

According to The PUNCH, the next day, Friday, October 24, 2025, the NFF issued an official statement, which it described as a “fresh clarification to misinformation” by some social media users (names not mentioned) who claimed the NFF “collects millions of dollars from FIFA annually to misappropriate.”

The statement, retrieved from the NFF website, was titled: “NFF: Monies received from FIFA & CAF are for specific purposes, and audited in every cycle.”

While Mobike’s video reignited calls for reform, the hashtag #SaveNigerianFootball has been trending on X, as users express frustration and hope that collective pressure might finally bring transparency to Nigerian football governance.

In its October 24 statement, the NFF firmly denied any wrongdoing, explaining that every dollar received from FIFA or CAF is tied to a specific purpose and audited annually.

“The monies meant for development purposes are tied to specific projects.

“FIFA Forward funds are properly specified and under strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring, and auditing at every stage,” the NFF said.

The Federation cited ongoing FIFA Forward projects such as the NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, stressing that every phase is verified before funds are released directly to FIFA-approved consultants.

Dismissing the viral reports as “fictitious figures,” the NFF added that those spreading misinformation “would find no reason to seek clout if they had any idea how much it costs to organise a single match of any of the national teams.”

But the clarification failed to calm the storm.

Instead, FIFA’s quiet profile update on Saturday reignited debate, with many Nigerians reading it as a silent but deliberate signal.

Many questioned how long it would take to fully complete a mini-stadium project that came to light in May 2023, after the groundbreaking event in September 2020 by the former Kebbi governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

In December 2023, it was reported that Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris unveiled the FIFA/NFF-backed stadium project, saying it was designed to “boost the morale of youths in the state.”

He noted that the project cost $1,183,000, with the state government donating four hectares of land and paying ₦19 million in compensation to landowners.

Earlier, in May 2023, FIFA described the Kebbi project as part of its commitment to grassroots football, writing on its website InsideFIFA: “It is no surprise, then, that Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi, was chosen back in 2020 as the site for the construction of an artificial football pitch now available for young boys and girls to use.

“Meanwhile, a second pitch is under construction in Ugborodo… these two ambitious projects have received around USD 2 million in funding from FIFA through its Forward Programme.”

Online Reactions
Social media erupted with interpretations and comparisons.

Some users viewed FIFA’s action as subtle recognition rather than mockery. One X user, @Poka741997, wrote: “FIFA updating their header is symbolic. It’s recognition for Nigeria, even if the stadium’s budget is modest by international standards.”

Others saw it as a global embarrassment.

User #_AsiwajuLerry commented: “FIFA changed their Twitter header to the $1.2m stadium built by the NFF. Global shame.”

Echoing that sentiment, #OyokunyiOkon added: “This is embarrassing. The NFF should be ashamed that FIFA is showcasing a $1.2 million ‘stadium’ in Kebbi that clearly reflects misplaced priorities and poor accountability.”

Comparing Nigeria’s project to Senegal’s 50,000-seat Stade Abdoulaye Wade, user #FemiOguntayo2 remarked: “Nigerians want to build a world-class stadium with $1.2m… Haba! We know NFF is corrupt but haba na…

“This is Stade Blaise Sené (also known as Stade du Sénégal or Abdoulaye Wade National Stadium) in Diamniadio, Senegal. Its total construction cost was $270 million, funded largely by the Senegalese government and built by Turkey’s Summa Construction Company. FIFA’s way of mocking the NFF. How did they spend $1.2m on that stadium? Exposing the kwaruption in the NFF?”

Another user, #mario99amr29, suggested FIFA’s post was deliberate: “We know what’s at play.

“If FIFA can display this at the expense of other successful projects, maybe it’s a subtle callout. Nigeria vs Kenya: A case study.”

As of press time, FIFA had yet to issue any official comment explaining the use of the Kebbi stadium image on its banner. PUNCH

News

Police Arrests Principal Supplier Of Weapons To Bandits In Delta

Published

6 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

The Special Assignment Team of the Delta state Police Command has arrested a key supplier of weapons to bandit groups in the northern part of Nigeria

The suspect, one Ahmed Ibrahim (31) male, resident of Ekpan in Uvwie local government area, has long been on the command’s watch list for his alleged role in several high-profile kidnapping and armed-robbery operations.

The Commands Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Bright Edafe, in a statement disclosed that acting on credible intelligence from the Force Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), Abuja, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested a female suspects, one Jamila Abubakar, at Conoil Filling Station, Warri–Patani Road, Effurun.

The statement revealed that upon her arrest, officers discovered the cash sum of ₦550,000 neatly concealed beneath her bag and suspected to be proceeds from illicit transactions.

According to DAILY POST her apprehension provided a crucial lead that set off a well-coordinated follow-up operation.

“Buildin on that intelligence, the operatives stormed Niger-Cat area of Warri, where they successfully arrested a notorious arms peddler, one Ahmed Ibrahim (31) male, resident of Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area, at about 0725 hrs on 22nd October 2025.

“A search led to the recovery of a bag containing one hundred and fifteen rounds 115 rounds of 7.63mm AK-47 live ammunition, 220 rounds of SMG rifle ammunition, and 32 live cartridges”.

Edafe further noted, that preliminary investigations revealed that, the suspect is a key supplier of weapons to bandit groups in the north and has long been on the Command’s watch list for his alleged role in several high-profile kidnapping and armed-robbery operations.

According to the statement, Ahmed Ibrahim, is also linked to the kidnap and murder of one Ogheneovo Onemu (female), who was abducted on May 27, 2024 at Edjekota community in Ughelli North LGA, and later murdered after a ransom payment of ₦4,000,000.

Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, described the breakthrough as another testament to the Command’s unwavering commitment to stemming the flow of illegal arms, dismantling criminal syndicates, and bringing offenders to justice.

The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to aid the fight against crime, assuring the public that the Command will sustain its momentum against criminal elements and remain resolute in protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.