The capital is generally an important city in a rustic, housing the seat of presidency and the pinnacle of state. However, some countries have a couple of capital for various reasons similar to historical, political, cultural or geographical aspects. In this text we are going to analyze some reasons and examples of nations with a couple of capital.
Reasons for having a couple of capital
One of the predominant reasons for having a couple of capital is to reflect the variety and unity of the country, in addition to to balance power between different regions or groups. For example, South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (administrative and executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). This is meant to represent the varied ethnic groups and former colonies that make up the country.
Another reason for having a couple of capital city is to adapt to the several altitudes and climates of the country, in addition to to scale back congestion and overcrowding of the predominant city. For example, Bolivia has two capitals: La Paz (legislative and executive) and Sucre (constitutional and judicial). This is because La Paz is the best capital city on the earth, sitting at an altitude of three,650 meters, while Sucre is at a lower and more moderate altitude of two,800 meters. Moreover, La Paz is a crowded and chaotic city, while Sucre is a quieter and calmer city.
The third reason for having a couple of capital is to create a brand new planned city for the federal government and likewise to stimulate the event and growth of the country. For example, Malaysia has two capitals: Kuala Lumpur (legislative and constitutional) and Putrajaya (judicial and administrative). This is because Kuala Lumpur is a busy city while Putrajaya is a brand new and modern city that was built to accommodate the federal government and its agencies.
To read: These countries have a couple of capital
Countries with a couple of capital
There are many countries on the earth which have a couple of capital, either officially or unofficially. Here are a few of them and their capitals:
- South Africa: Pretoria (administrative and executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial)
- Bolivia: La Paz (legislative and executive) and Sucre (constitutional and judicial)
- Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (legislative and constitutional) and Putrajaya (judicial and administrative)
- Netherlands: Amsterdam (official and constitutional) and The Hague (legislative and administrative)
- Shekhia (also referred to as the Czech Republic): Prague (official and constitutional) and Brno (legislative and administrative)
- Sri Lanka: Colombo (executive and judicial) and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative)
- Tanzania: Dodoma (official and political) and Dar es Salaam (former and economic)
- Ivory Coast (also referred to as Côte d’Ivoire): Yamoussoukro (official and constitutional) and Abidjan (former and economic)
Having a couple of capital allows some countries to deal with their complex and diverse history, culture, geography and politics. For some countries, it’s also a technique to improve their efficiency, creativity and understanding. However, having a couple of capital also comes with its own challenges, similar to confusion, cost, and conflict. Therefore, each country must weigh the benefits and downsides of getting a couple of capital and judge what’s best for it.
