Countries with more than one capital

Most countries have one capital city that holds the government, the parliament and the courts. A handful split those roles between two or even three cities. Knowing which ones, and why, makes Capitals quizzes much easier.

South Africa is the best-known example. Pretoria is the executive capital, where the President and government departments are based. Cape Town is the legislative capital, home to Parliament. Bloemfontein is the judicial capital, home to the Supreme Court of Appeal. The arrangement dates from 1910, when four colonies joined to form the Union of South Africa and the capital roles were shared between regions.

Bolivia's constitution names Sucre as the capital, and the country's top court sits there. In practice, though, the President, Congress and most of the government are in La Paz, which is why many people assume La Paz is the capital. Sucre is the answer most quizzes expect, and La Paz is the seat of government.

Amsterdam is the Dutch capital according to the constitution, and the King is sworn in there. But the government, Parliament, the Supreme Court and most embassies are in The Hague. If a question asks for the capital of the Netherlands, the answer is Amsterdam.

Some countries kept their historic capital but moved government offices to a planned or neighbouring city:

• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur is the capital and home to Parliament, while most ministries moved to Putrajaya, a planned city to the south.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official capital and home to Parliament, while Colombo, right next to it, remains the largest city and commercial centre.
• Côte d'Ivoire: Yamoussoukro became the official capital in 1983, but Abidjan, the largest city, still hosts most government business.

• Benin: Porto-Novo is the official capital, while Cotonou is the seat of government and the largest city.
• Eswatini: Mbabane is the administrative capital, while Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital.
• Montenegro: Podgorica is the capital, and Cetinje, the historic royal city, holds the official title of Old Royal Capital and hosts the President's official residence.

Group them by pattern. South Africa is the only one with three capitals. Bolivia and the Netherlands are the two where the constitutional capital isn't where the government sits. Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Côte d'Ivoire moved government work to another city. When in doubt, the official or constitutional capital is the usual quiz answer.