A forward capital is a term used in urban planning and geography to describe a city or town that is established or promoted as a capital in a location that is not the country’s primary or traditional center of population, commerce, or politics.
The primary purpose of a forward capital is often to encourage development in a less populated or strategically advantageous area, such as near borders or in a region that needs economic stimulation. By moving the capital or establishing a new one, a government aims to ensure balanced economic growth and regional development.
For example, Brazil’s decision to build Brasília in the interior of the country was a move to promote the development of the central region and reduce the overpopulation in coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
In summary, a forward capital serves as a tool for national development, helping to redistribute population and resources throughout a country.