Most people are familiar with the White House, the official residence of the President of the United States. But what about other world leaders? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most interesting and opulent presidential residences from around the globe.
Asides from the White House, what about other world leaders?
The White House is located in Washington, D.C., and is the primary residence of the president of the United States. The executive branch of the United States government occupies most of the White House, and it is here that the president conducts business and meets with world leaders.
While the White House is certainly the most famous of all, there are plenty of other fascinating residences out there belonging to world leaders.
The official residence of world leaders is a very important part of their job. It is a place where they can conduct business, entertain guests, and relax in privacy.
If you want to learn more about the homes of world leaders, You might just find some interesting photos and articles about these residences here. So next time you’re feeling curious about a country, you can check out where their leader lives.
Official residences of Asian leaders
China
Where does China’s leader – currently Xi Jinping, lives? It’s called Zhongnanhai (zhong-nan-hai 中南海) located right next to the Beijing forbidden city – the palace of Qing Dynasty Emperors. Zhongnanhai is the former imperial garden.
Zhongnanhai literally means “central and southern seas/lakes”, referring to two lakes (the “Central Sea” (中海) and “Southern Sea” (南海)) located within the compound.
The construction on the existing Imperial Palace began in 1406 during the Ming Dynasty, which was to the south of the previous dynasty – Yuan dynastic palace. As a result, a new Southern Sea was dug to the south of the old
Source: 維基小霸王, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Don’t think that USA is the only place named after a color.
The President of South Korea lives in Blue House, or “Cheong Wa Dae” in Korean pronunciation, became the first official address on Dec. 20, 1911, when the nation was under Japanese occupation.
It’s an magnificent ancient palace, the first written record of the site dates back to 1104. In the ninth year of King Sukjong’s reign during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), royal palace halls were built at the location.
But take note that the new president of S. Korea is now building a new residence called the Office of the President in Yongsan, and will keep the blue color symbol. The ancient Blue House will be a national heritage site open for visitors.
According to the announcement of President Yoon Suk Yeol:
Cheong Wa Dae, the previous location of the Office of the President, has been a symbol of authoritarianism and imperial presidential culture that continued from the official residence of the Governor-General of Joseon and Gyeongmudae.
The Yoon Suk Yeol Government will fulfill our promise for more open communication with the people.
The new Office of the President will become a place for communication where the people can watch the President work while strolling through Yongsan Park.
Source: Introduction to the Office of the President in Yongsan
Japan
The prime minister of Japan resides at the Kantei, the official residence of Japanese prime ministers since 1947. The building was originally constructed in 1890 as a residence for Prince Arisugawa Taruhito, and was then used as an office for various government officials before being designated as the prime minister’s residence.
It’s a newly renovated “Japanese-style” architectural expresses simple and elegant beauty. “Stone” is a symbol of strength and stability, and “Bamboo” is a symbol of the challenge to the future that stretches toward the sky.
Thailand
Thailand has several beautiful palaces, we will introduce the two main ones.
The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, and is still used for official events.
Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.
It is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782.
The current King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) lives at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in the Dusit Palace
Prime Minister of Thailand’s official residence is called “Thai-Khu-Fah Building” on the Government House grounds. The building is home to the Cabinet of Thailand and the Office of the Prime Minister. The prime minister does not live in this building.
The Phitsanulok Mansion nearby the Government House is the official residence of the prime minister. However, only two prime ministers, Prem Tinsulanonda and Chuan Leekpai, have taken residence there. Prem moved to another premise after a few days. The house is reportedly haunted.
The Executive Residence is located on the grounds of the White House, and it is here that the president and his family live. The President’s Mansion is located on Pennsylvania Avenue, and it is here that the president entertains guests.
India
The Prime Minister of India’s residence complex is officially called Panchavati. It is situated on 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi (formerly 7 Race Course Road), and it is commonly called 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.
The first occupant of then 7 Race Course Road in 1984 is Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, son and successor of the assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The name of official residence of European leaders
United Kingdom
The prime minister of the United Kingdom resides at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of British prime ministers since 1735. The street was originally built in the 1680s by Sir George Downing, and was then sold to the British government in 1733.
France
The president of France resides at the Élysée Palace, which has been the official residence of French presidents since 1848. The palace was built in 1718 for Louis XV, and has been remodeled several times since then.
Germany
The official residence for chancellor of Germany is the Federal Chancellery in Berlin (Bundeskanzleramt). The building, which is the largest government headquarters in the world, is part of the “Federal Belt” (German: Band des Bundes) in the Spreebogen, Willy-Brandt-Straße 1, Berlin.
You can contribute!
Here we have introduced shortly the official residents of 5 Asian leaders. We know that every country has a story behind its leader’s residence, and no doubt it is one of the most heavily guarded places in the country. Do you have a story of official residence to contribute? Contact us and we will add it to the list!
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