Country: South Africa
Capitals: Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein
South Africa – is a unique country with three capitals! Pretoria houses the country's government and executive power, the judicial power is located in Bloemfontein, and in Cape Town — the legislative power.
The most visited by tourists is considered to be the legislative capital, where the picturesque Table Mountain is located, with stunning views from the summit and beautiful beaches. The executive capital — Pretoria is especially popular among nature lovers, who every September watch the most beautiful blooming jacaranda trees here. Bloemfontein — is the judicial capital with a relaxed atmosphere and a predominantly residential urban landscape.
Country: Netherlands
Capitals: Amsterdam and The Hague
Cool and friendly Amsterdam is the official capital of the Netherlands. However, this picturesque country of canals and windmills is governed from The Hague, where the country's Legislative Assembly, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Supreme Court are located.
The Hague is the de facto seat of power in the country, home to the monarchy, from where the King of the Netherlands delivers a speech from his throne. It is precisely this city that for centuries has been home to the country's parliament and government.
Country: Bolivia
Capitals: La Paz and Sucre
A political divergence of views and aspirations regarding the governance of the country in the 1800s led to a division of responsibility between the capitals. La Paz is the legislative and executive capital of Bolivia, as well as the seat of government. It is also the highest-altitude capital in the world, picturesquely spread out at a height of more than 3,650 meters above sea level.
Sucre — is the constitutional and judicial capital of Bolivia, located in the southern part of the highlands. Magnificent architecture is the pride of the city. On Sucre's main square stand the richly decorated Cathedral, the Museum of Traditional Art, the Museum of Jewels, and the Palace of Freedom.
Country: Chile
Capitals: Santiago and Valparaiso
The two capitals of Chile — Santiago and Valparaiso are located only 72 miles from each other. Santiago is the largest city and the official capital of Chile. It is a lively tourist city with a bustling center and many historic buildings.
The reason why Chile has two capitals dates back to the times of the dominance of the dictator and president Augusto Pinochet. In 1990 it was decided to move the National Congress of Chile from Santiago to Valparaiso in order to decentralize power within the country.
Country: Côte d'Ivoire
Capitals: Yamoussoukro and Abidjan
Abidjan — is the largest city and the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire. The cultural metropolis can boast beautiful architecture and bustling markets. All the state's most important structures are concentrated there, so Abidjan is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the country.
The official capital of Côte d'Ivoire is Yamoussoukro. Back in March 1983, the country's president Félix Houphouët-Boigny made his birthplace — the city of Yamoussoukro the political and administrative capital of the country.
Country: Czech Republic
Capitals: Prague and Brno
The world-famous city of Prague, situated on the Vltava River, is the official capital of the Czech Republic and showcases the entire history and culture of Central Europe. Prague is home to the Government of the Czech Republic. But the Supreme Court is located in a lesser-known city of the Czech Republic — Brno, a city with good educational institutions and a strange landmark — the Brno Ossuary.
Country: Malaysia
Capitals: Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
Due to overpopulation, the government of Malaysia in 1995 built a new city, Putrajaya, around an artificial lake. The country's government and judicial power are currently located here. Although the administrative centers and the official residence of the prime minister are in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur retains the status of official capital and is the financial and commercial center of the country.
Country: Sri Lanka
Capitals: Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Colombo — is a lively city with beautiful sandy shores and famous nightlife. It is known for its wonderful beaches and attractions. Since over the years the city has become too overcrowded, the country's national legislative body was moved to the satellite city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Country: Montenegro
Capitals: Podgorica and Cetinje
Montenegro has an official capital — Podgorica, and a traditional capital — Cetinje. The latter city was the former capital of Montenegro and is currently the cultural center of the country. Cetinje, also known as the «Old Royal Capital,» is home to the residence of the president, while Podgorica, the official capital and the largest city in the country, hosts official government events.
Famous Women Scientists Whose Discoveries Were Claimed by Men
Country: Kingdom of Eswatini
Capitals: Mbabane and Lobamba
The Kingdom of Eswatini — is a landlocked state in Southern Africa. The country is unique, for throughout its entire existence it has been able to boast of two capitals. Lobamba is the legislative capital, where the parliament of Eswatini convenes. The ruling elite and the royal family also live here. Mbabane – is the official administrative capital, where all other state functions are concentrated and carried out.
