Countries Moving Their Capital Still Remains a Discourse, Here’s a List of Countries Preparing to Change

Kapanlagi.com - Moving the capital is no longer a step taken by just one or two countries. In recent years, several governments have begun to design and implement the relocation of their administrative centers as part of a long-term development strategy. The reasons vary, ranging from congestion, population density, disaster risks, to equitable economic growth.

According to various studies on urban planning and public administration, relocating the capital is not just about moving government buildings. This step is also related to the development of new infrastructure, more planned spatial arrangements, and efforts to create a more efficient and sustainable government center.

However, not all projects go smoothly. Some countries have started building new cities, while others are still in the study phase, facing budget constraints, or hindered by legal and political aspects. Citing various sources, Thursday (30/7), here’s a list of countries that are preparing to change their government centers.

1. Egypt

pyramids in Egypt (AI Generated)

Egypt has become one of the countries that has made the most progress in the project of relocating its government center. The government is gradually moving various administrative functions from Cairo to the New Administrative Capital (NAC), which is located about 45 kilometers east of the old capital.

The construction of this new city was announced in 2015 as part of efforts to alleviate the pressure on Cairo, which has faced traffic congestion, extremely high population growth, and urban density for decades.

In addition to being designed as a government center, the New Administrative Capital is also being prepared as a modern business district equipped with digital infrastructure, residential areas, financial centers, and green open spaces. Several ministries and state institutions have begun operating in the area, making this new city the main administrative center of Egypt.

2. Iran

Iran is among the countries that are still in the planning stage. The government has proposed relocating the capital from Tehran to the Makran region on the southeastern coast of the country.

This idea arose because Tehran faces increasingly complex urban challenges. The city is known for its high traffic congestion, serious air pollution, large population density, and its location in an area with earthquake risks.

Various international media have reported that the government is still conducting studies on the feasibility of the project. So far, there is no definite schedule regarding the construction or the process of relocating the government center, so the plan remains a long-term discourse.

3. South Korea

walking around in sejong (AI Generated)

South Korea has a different approach compared to other countries. The government does not fully relocate the capital from Seoul, but rather implements a decentralization policy by developing Sejong City as the center of government administration.

Since its development began in 2012, various ministries and government agencies have been moved to Sejong. This step is taken to reduce the concentration of government activities and development that has been centered in Seoul for many years.

Nevertheless, Seoul remains the official capital due to constitutional considerations. Sejong is currently better known as the administrative capital as well as a smart city that continues to be developed through the application of technology, modern transportation, and city planning oriented towards sustainability.

4. Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the countries currently undergoing the process of relocating its capital through the development of Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

This policy was adopted to address various issues that Jakarta has been facing, ranging from chronic traffic congestion, flooding, land subsidence, to the high concentration of economic activity on the island of Java.

Nusantara is designed as a forest city that prioritizes sustainable development concepts. Its planning includes green areas, modern transportation, more environmentally friendly energy use, and a technology-based city system.

The construction process is carried out in stages. The government is also gradually transferring government functions as the supporting infrastructure is completed, ensuring that the transformation to the new capital occurs sustainably.

5. South Sudan

landscape of South Sudan (AI Generated)

South Sudan has actually long had plans to move the capital from Juba to Ramciel, which is located in the central region of the country.

This plan emerged shortly after South Sudan gained independence in 2011. The location of Ramciel is considered more strategic and is expected to strengthen national unity while also reducing the developmental burden that has been concentrated in Juba.

However, to this day, the project has not been realized. Budget constraints, political conditions, and various other challenges have caused the relocation process to continue to be delayed. As a result, Juba remains the official capital of South Sudan to this day.

Nevertheless, the government still maintains the idea as part of the national development plan if fiscal and political conditions allow in the future.

6. Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea serves as an example of a country that took a long time to realize the relocation of its capital. For years, the government has been building Ciudad de la Paz, previously known as Oyala or Djibloho, as the new center of government on the mainland of the country.

The construction of this city was undertaken to reduce dependence on Malabo, which is located on Bioko Island. In addition to administrative considerations, the new location is deemed more strategic as it is situated in the continental region, facilitating government coordination and promoting equitable development.

In early 2026, the government officially designated Ciudad de la Paz as the new capital through a presidential decree. Although the status of the capital has officially changed, the process of relocating various government institutions is still ongoing gradually as supporting facilities and infrastructure are completed.

7. Mongolia

mongolian family (AI Generated)

Mongolia

Mongolia has several times been included in the list of countries considering the relocation of their government center. Over the years, several officials and urban planning experts have proposed moving some administrative functions from Ulaanbaatar to other regions that have more space for development.

This proposal arose because Ulaanbaatar faces various urban issues. Rapid population growth has led to increasing traffic congestion, while air pollution in winter is among the worst in the world due to the use of solid fuels for home heating.

Although various ideas have been discussed in several policy forums, the Mongolian government has yet to determine a new capital location or a timeline for its implementation. Thus, the plan remains at the stage of discourse and study without an official decision to commence the construction of a new government city.

8. Questions About Countries Moving Their Capital

1. Why do some countries move their capital?
Generally to reduce the congestion of the old city, improve equitable development, and create a more efficient government center.

2. Do all countries succeed in moving their capital?
No. Some are still in the planning stage or facing budgetary and political constraints.

3. Has South Korea moved its capital?
Not completely. Seoul remains the official capital, while Sejong functions as the administrative capital.

4. Why is Indonesia building Nusantara?
To reduce various issues in Jakarta while promoting equitable national development.

5. Which countries are still only discussing moving their capital?
Iran and South Sudan are among the countries that are still in the planning stage or have not fully realized the move.

(kpl/mda)