12 Countries With Multiple Capitals Every Traveller Should Know
Explore 12 countries with multiple capitals and discover how their cities balance culture, politics, and history. From Bolivia to South Africa, see why each capital tells a unique story.
Think every country has just one capital? Think again! Some nations aren’t satisfied with a single city—they have two, even three capitals, each with its own vibe, history, and secrets. From bustling economic hubs to royal palaces and hidden political powerhouses, these cities let you see a country from multiple sides in one trip. Travel through Bolivia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and more, and discover why visiting multiple capitals is the ultimate way to unlock a country’s true story. (Image: Canva)
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1. Afghanistan Kabul – Cultural and administrative hub Kandahar – De facto political capital Afghanistan’s dual capitals tell the story of a nation in transition. Kabul, vibrant and historic, holds the country’s heart in government, culture, and economy. Kandahar, birthplace of the Taliban, now serves as the political power centre, housing the Taliban Parliament. Together, they provide travellers with a window into Afghanistan’s layered history and complex present. (Image: Canva)
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2. Benin Porto-Novo – Official capital Cotonou – De facto administrative capital Porto-Novo may hold the official title of capital, but Cotonou pulses with energy as the seat of government and commerce. Tourists can soak in Porto-Novo’s colonial architecture and peaceful squares, then dive into Cotonou’s bustling markets and lively street scenes. This split captures the best of Benin’s heritage and modernity. (Image: Canva)
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3. Bolivia Sucre – Constitutional capital La Paz – De facto executive capital Bolivia’s charm is doubled through its capitals. Sucre, with its pristine white-washed buildings, embodies history and tradition. La Paz, perched high in the Andes, bustles with governmental activity. Together, they offer travellers a fascinating contrast between Bolivia’s past and its contemporary political heartbeat. (Image: Canva)
4. Burundi Gitega – Official political capital Bujumbura – Seat of government and economic capital In 2018, Burundi shifted its official capital to Gitega to bring growth to the country’s centre. While Gitega hosts the President and key officials, Bujumbura remains the lively economic hub on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Visitors can enjoy Bujumbura’s waterfront charm and then explore Gitega’s emerging political landmarks. (Image: Canva)
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5. Eswatini Mbabane – Administrative capital Lobamba – Legislative (parliament) and royal capital In Eswatini, modern governance and royal tradition coexist beautifully. Mbabane holds government offices, while Lobamba is home to Parliament and the monarchy. Travellers can experience the nation’s rich cultural rituals in Lobamba before heading to Mbabane’s urban streets and local markets. (Image: Canva)
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6. Indonesia Jakarta – De facto administrative capital Nusantara – Future capital Indonesia’s bustling Jakarta is the heartbeat of the nation—crowded streets, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant culture. Yet, the government is moving key offices to Nusantara, a planned city on Borneo designed to ease Jakarta’s congestion and environmental stress. Visiting Jakarta now gives travellers a glimpse of a city brimming with life, while the upcoming Nusantara promises a futuristic journey into Indonesia’s next chapter. (Image: Canva)
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7. Ivory Coast Yamoussoukro – Official capital Abidjan – De facto administrative capital Ivory Coast tells its story across two cities. Yamoussoukro is a serene and symbolic capital, home to the world-famous Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. Abidjan, vibrant and energetic, hosts most government offices and foreign embassies. Together, they showcase a country balancing heritage with modern growth. (Image: Canva)
8. Malaysia Kuala Lumpur – Constitutional and legislative capital Putrajaya – Administrative centre Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s glittering jewel, home to Parliament and the royal palace. But government operations have shifted to Putrajaya, a planned administrative city known for its striking architecture and tranquil lakes. Exploring both offers travellers a contrast between Malaysia’s historic energy and its modern, organized governance. (Image: Canva)
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9. Netherlands Amsterdam – Official capital The Hague – Legislative capital (parliament) Amsterdam may be famous for its canals and museums, but The Hague quietly runs the country. Housing Parliament, embassies, and government offices, The Hague shows a more official, professional side of the Netherlands. Together, the two cities give a complete picture of Dutch life: vibrant yet disciplined. (Image: Canva)
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10. South Africa Pretoria – Executive and administrative capital Cape Town – Legislative capital Bloemfontein – Judicial capital South Africa is the only country with three capitals, each serving a distinct purpose. Pretoria hosts the President and ministries, Cape Town houses Parliament, and Bloemfontein hosts the judiciary. A tour of all three shows how political power is carefully balanced across regions—and offers diverse travel experiences, from coastal beauty to urban sophistication. (Image: Canva)
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11. Sri Lanka Colombo – Executive and judicial capital Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte – Legislative capital Colombo is a bustling commercial hub with rich colonial architecture and scenic beaches. Just next door, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte hosts the Parliament. The proximity of the two capitals makes it easy for travellers to witness Sri Lanka’s legislative and executive worlds without straying far from the city’s vibrant life. (Image: Canva)
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12. Chile Santiago – Official capital Valparaíso – Legislative capital Chile divides its government between Santiago, the bustling administrative and cultural heart, and Valparaíso, a colourful port city with the National Congress. Tourists can admire Santiago’s skyline and mountains, then hop to Valparaíso’s iconic hillside homes, murals, and artistic energy—a perfect balance of work and play. (Image: Canva)
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Exploring countries with multiple capitals is like seeing a nation from multiple lenses. From historic streets and royal palaces to modern government centres, each city adds a layer to the story of the country. For travellers, it’s more than sightseeing—it’s stepping into the heartbeat of a nation, twice, sometimes thrice, over. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
