Update:
In 2019, Indonesia proposed a plan to move its capital away from Jakarta. Why? While overpopulation was a determining factor, Jakarta has a much more unique problem as well: It’s sinking due to the continuing collapse of a giant seawall.
What happened next? Authorities identified a yet-unnamed city on an island called Borneo as a potential location for Indonesia’s new capital. The target date for the capital’s transition to this new location is 2024, but the Indonesian parliament must first approve the bill later in 2020.
Originally Published: May 3rd, 2019
Each state and country has a capital city, considered the most important city and one where the central government and administrative offices exist. But did you know that these capitals can change locations? In fact, until 1910, California and Alabama changed capital cities four times!
When it comes to countries though, changing the capital location could mean significantly more than merely moving government buildings. Nigeria’s capital moved from Lagos to Abuja in 1991 because the government was looking for a more central location with better security and newer infrastructures. Egypt is currently building a new city to replace Cairo as its capital in order to better manage the growing population and traffic-packed streets.

What do you think? Should countries move their capitals when faced with challenges?