Most countries have a single capital city that serves as the political and administrative center. But in some cases, countries divide their capital functions between two cities — sometimes for historical, political, or geographic reasons.

South Africa

South Africa is the most famous example of a country with three official capitals:

• Pretoria: Executive capital (home to the president and government ministries)
• Bloemfontein: Judicial capital (home to the Supreme Court of Appeal)
• Cape Town: Legislative capital (home to Parliament)

This arrangement reflects the country’s complex political history and efforts to balance power among its regions.

Bolivia

Bolivia has two capitals:

• La Paz: Seat of government and executive power, including the president and Congress.
• Sucre: Constitutional capital and location of the Supreme Court.

This split stems from a 19th-century civil war, after which La Paz gained more political influence while Sucre retained symbolic and judicial importance.

Netherlands

The Netherlands also divides its capital functions:

• Amsterdam: Constitutional capital, where the royal inauguration takes place.
• The Hague: Seat of government, parliament, Supreme Court, and embassies.

Though Amsterdam is officially the capital, most political activity takes place in The Hague.

Other Examples

Some other countries have cities that share capital functions, even if not officially called “dual capitals”:

• Benin: Porto-Novo (official capital), but Cotonou is the seat of government.
• Eswatini: Mbabane (administrative capital), and Lobamba (royal and legislative capital).
• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (official capital), but Putrajaya serves as the administrative center.

Why Split a Capital?

The reasons for having multiple capitals vary. Some countries want to balance power among different regions, others respond to historical compromises or practical concerns like overcrowding. While it may seem inefficient, it often reflects deeper social or political realities.