Some countries around the world have chosen to establish more than one capital city, while others have decided to move their capital from one city to another. These decisions often reflect political, economic, and historical considerations, and the reasoning behind them can vary greatly from country to country. Having multiple capitals or relocating a capital can help balance regional development, improve administrative efficiency, and address specific national challenges. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind multiple capital cities and capital relocations, with examples for better understanding.
Multiple capitals refer to the practice of having more than one city serve as the official capital of a country. This arrangement can be used to decentralize administrative functions, promote regional development, or balance political power across different parts of the country. In some cases, countries have a primary capital for the executive and legislative branches of government, while a secondary capital serves other functions, such as the judiciary or cultural activities.
Several countries have adopted the concept of multiple capitals, each serving a unique function:
Countries that have multiple capitals often do so for several reasons, including political, geographic, and economic factors. Here are some of the most common motivations:
In some cases, countries with large populations or diverse regions may choose to distribute governmental functions across multiple cities in order to avoid concentrating too much power or influence in one location. This helps balance the development of different areas of the country and reduces regional tensions.
For example, in South Africa, the decision to have three capitals was made to represent the country’s diverse regions and prevent any one area from becoming too dominant politically or economically. Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein each represent different regions and ensure that no one part of the country is disproportionately influential in governance.
In countries with multiple ethnic or cultural groups, having multiple capitals can serve as a symbol of inclusivity and unity. It can help represent the different regions or communities and show a commitment to sharing power and responsibilities across the nation.
For example, Bolivia's decision to have La Paz as the administrative capital and Sucre as the constitutional capital acknowledges the country’s history and cultural diversity. Sucre was historically the first capital, while La Paz represents the political and economic center of the country. This balance helps recognize the historical importance of both cities.
Multiple capitals can also be part of a strategy to promote economic development in underdeveloped or less populated regions. By distributing government functions, countries can stimulate growth and infrastructure development in areas that might otherwise be neglected.
In South Africa, having the executive branch in Pretoria, the legislative branch in Cape Town, and the judicial branch in Bloemfontein promotes regional development and ensures that economic and political power is not confined to one city, such as Johannesburg, which is the financial center of the country.
In addition to having multiple capitals, some countries have made the decision to move their capital city entirely. Relocating a capital can be driven by various factors, such as political instability, population growth, or the desire to promote development in a different region. While the process of moving a capital is complex and costly, it can have significant long-term benefits for a country’s development and governance.
In some cases, capital cities are moved to enhance security, especially in times of political upheaval or conflict. Moving the capital can serve as a strategic response to threats, whether internal or external.
For example, in 1960, Nigeria moved its capital from Lagos to Abuja. Lagos, being located on the coast, was considered vulnerable to naval attacks and had become overcrowded due to rapid urbanization. Abuja, situated in the interior, was chosen for its central location, which allowed for better access to all regions of the country and provided a more secure, less congested setting for the government.
Countries may move their capital to promote balanced development, prevent overcrowding in the existing capital, and better utilize regional resources. Moving the capital can stimulate growth and infrastructure development in underdeveloped areas.
Brazil’s decision to build a new capital, Brasília, in the 1950s is a prime example of this. The move from Rio de Janeiro was intended to promote development in the interior of the country and reduce the concentration of power and wealth in coastal cities. Brasília was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa to serve as a symbol of modernity, promote regional growth, and alleviate overcrowding on the coast.
In some cases, moving a capital city can symbolize a break from the past or a new era in the country's history. It can be a way to create a new national identity and project a modern image to the world.
For instance, after the end of apartheid in South Africa, the move of the capital functions to Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein symbolized the country’s commitment to inclusivity and racial reconciliation. It also helped to represent all regions of the country and its diverse population.
In 1997, Kazakhstan moved its capital from Almaty to Astana (now called Nur-Sultan). The decision was made to better balance the country’s geographical location, as Almaty was situated too close to the border with China and was vulnerable to earthquakes. Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), located more centrally, was chosen to promote growth and development in the northern part of the country and to establish a political and economic center that was more secure and strategically positioned for regional influence.
While having multiple capitals or moving the capital can offer various benefits, it also presents significant challenges. Some of the key benefits and challenges include:
