Why so many castles and rules for one country?

[ManaMinori 4,149]

(in b4 toy bait)

 

I just gotta wonder. How many castles does one country really need? We've learned that Equestria is just a country, and not the entire world. So the Crystal Empire has a castle. Canterlot has a castle. Twilight has her castle, and there's still an old, half-renovated castle of Luna and Celestia out past the Everfree forest. (as a matter of fact, why so many princesses for one country?) And if Celestia and Luna really are grooming Twilight to take their place, then what becomes of the Canterlot castle, when the sisters time to reign comes to an end?
Can't they all live in one castle?

[cuteycindyhoney 13,339]

Equestria is more like Europe, with a bunch of little countries all close together. Canterlot is the largest, oldest and ruling city-state, that all the others defer to in times of crisis. Ponyville just got a serious upgrade when the Tree of Harmony rewarded Twilight with her new castle. I would not be surprised if ponies started immigrating there as Ponyville grew in prestige. Three castles are not too much, in my opinion. You can't count the Castle of the Two Sisters. It is more of an historic site now, and is no longer a seat of power. As with queen bees, you only have one ruling female per hive/castle. I bet Celestia and Cadence were both relieved when the Crystal Empire returned. It got them out of each others manes. (Shining Armor was probably down with it too. Who wants to live with their in-laws?) As for the castle in Canterlot, if Celestia and Luna ever stepped down, why couldn't Twilight move there, and let Ponyville keep the new castle as a civic center?