France Administrative Divisions

France utilizes a complex system of administrative divisions to organize and govern its expansive territory. Understanding these divisions provides insight into France's geographical landscape.

Regions

The largest administrative units within France are the 18 regions including Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, and Corsica. The regions have elected councils but wield limited political power.

Departments

Each region of France is divided into departments, of which there are 96 in Metropolitan France and 5 overseas. The departments are the primary administrative divisions.

Some notable departments are Paris, Nord, Bouches-du-Rhône, and Rhône. Each department has a prefecture, sub-prefectures, and a department council elected by citizens.

Arrondissements

The departments are further divided into 342 smaller units known as arrondissements. Paris, Lyon, and Marseille have special status as cities divided into municipal arrondissements.

Communes

The commune is the lowest level administrative division in France. There are over 35,000 communes in the country. Even the smallest villages are designated as communes.

Overseas Territories

In addition to the regions of Metropolitan France, there are five overseas regions with equivalent status. France also has overseas collectivities, territories, and dependencies with various levels of autonomy.

In summary, France utilizes a robust hierarchy of subnational administration. The regions, departments, arrondissements, and communes allow France to govern its expansive and diverse territory effectively. Understanding this complex system provides insights into French geography and politics.

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