Administrative Divisions 1997
Explore administrative divisions across 266+ countries with interactive maps and rankings to understand regional governance and demographics.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
Algeria - #2
Colombia - #3
Afghanistan - #4
Albania - #5
American Samoa - #6
Azerbaijan - #7
Côte d'Ivoire - #8
Burkina Faso - #9
Brazil - #10
Argentina
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #211
Taiwan - #210
Wallis and Futuna Islands - #209
United States Virgin Islands - #208
Tuvalu - #207
Turks and Caicos Islands - #206
Tonga - #205
Tokelau - #204
Tajikistan - #203
Singapore - #202
Sao Tome and Principe
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 1997, Slovenia led the world with the highest number of Administrative Divisions at 136, while the global range varied from 1 to 136 divisions. The global average for administrative divisions was 18.16, providing a baseline for understanding regional governance frameworks across various nations.
Understanding the Extremes: Most and Least Divided Countries
The significant variation in administrative divisions across countries can be attributed to historical, political, and geographical factors. Slovenia, with its 136 divisions, represents a country with a highly decentralized governance structure. This level of division often reflects a country's commitment to local governance and may enhance administrative efficiency in regions with diverse populations or complex geographies.
Conversely, countries like Saint Helena and Sao Tome and Principe, with only 1 and 2 divisions respectively, suggest centralized governance systems. These smaller nations or territories often have less need for extensive administrative subdivisions due to their limited geographic size and population.
Regional Patterns and Governance Implications
Analyzing regional patterns, countries such as New Zealand with 93 divisions and Thailand with 76 divisions reflect a trend towards decentralization in certain parts of the world. These divisions support the administration of regional policies tailored to local needs, crucial in countries with diverse ethnic and cultural landscapes.
On the other hand, nations like Tajikistan and Luxembourg, each with 2 or 3 divisions, exhibit a different governance model. Here, a more centralized approach might be effective due to homogenous populations or relatively smaller geographical areas, allowing for streamlined decision-making processes.
Significant Year-over-Year Changes
The year-over-year changes in administrative divisions reveal noteworthy trends. Slovenia experienced the largest increase, adding 76 divisions, which marks a 126.7% rise. This substantial increase might be linked to administrative reforms intended to enhance local governance and political representation.
Meanwhile, Georgia saw a dramatic rise of 51 divisions, representing a 2550.0% increase, indicative of significant political restructuring, possibly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In contrast, Hungary decreased its divisions by 19, a 50.0% reduction, likely reflecting efforts to streamline governance and reduce administrative costs.
Factors Influencing Administrative Division Structures
Several factors influence the structure and number of administrative divisions within a country. Economic considerations often drive changes, as more divisions can mean increased administrative costs. However, they can also lead to more efficient local governance, potentially boosting regional economic development.
Geopolitical factors also play a critical role. Countries like Russia, which added 28 divisions (a 133.3% increase), may adjust their administrative structures in response to internal and external pressures, such as regional autonomy movements or the need to manage large, diverse territories effectively.
Ultimately, the number of administrative divisions reflects a balance between the need for local governance and the practicalities of managing resources and populations. The data from 1997 provides a snapshot of how countries navigate these complex dynamics to meet their unique political and administrative goals.
Insights by country
Grenada
In 1997, Grenada ranked #151 globally with 6 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors like Saint Lucia, which has 11 divisions, indicating a more centralized administrative structure. The limited number of divisions can be attributed to Grenada's small geographic size and population, which necessitates fewer administrative units for governance and resource allocation.
Austria
In 1997, Austria ranked #112 globally with 9 administrative divisions. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring Germany, which has 16 divisions, reflecting Austria's smaller geographic size and population. The country's administrative structure is influenced by its federal system, which allows for significant regional autonomy while maintaining a centralized government in Vienna.
Antigua and Barbuda
In 1997, Antigua and Barbuda ranked #146 globally with 6 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to many Caribbean nations, which often have more subdivisions to manage local governance. The limited number of divisions can be attributed to the country's small geographic size and population, necessitating fewer administrative units to effectively govern the islands.
Solomon Islands
In 1997, the Solomon Islands had 7 Administrative Divisions, ranking #139 out of 211 countries. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring Papua New Guinea, which has a more complex administrative structure. The limited number of divisions in the Solomon Islands reflects its smaller population and geographic dispersion across numerous islands, which can complicate governance and administrative efficiency.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranked #141 globally with 7 Administrative Divisions in 1997. This number is relatively low compared to its Central American neighbors, which typically have more divisions to manage local governance. The country's emphasis on decentralization and local governance structures, alongside its relatively small geographic size, has contributed to this administrative configuration.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka ranked #131 globally with 8 Administrative Divisions in 1997. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring India, which has 28 states and union territories. The limited number of divisions reflects Sri Lanka's smaller geographic size and population, alongside a historical focus on centralized governance rather than extensive regional administration.
Canada
In 1997, Canada ranked #102 globally with 10 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to larger countries, such as the United States, which has 51 divisions. Canada's limited number of divisions can be attributed to its vast geographic size and the historical consolidation of provinces and territories, which has shaped its administrative framework.
United States
In 1997, the United States ranked #10 globally with 50 Administrative Divisions. This number is significant as it reflects the country's federal structure, which contrasts with many nations that have fewer divisions, such as Canada, which has 13. The diverse geographic and demographic landscape of the United States necessitates a complex administrative framework to manage local governance and services effectively.
Liberia
In 1997, Liberia ranked #87 globally with a total of 13 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring countries like Sierra Leone, which has more divisions to manage local governance. The limited number of divisions reflects Liberia's historical challenges, including civil unrest and a focus on rebuilding administrative structures after years of conflict, impacting effective governance and resource distribution.
Guinea-Bissau
In 1997, Guinea-Bissau had 9 Administrative Divisions, ranking #125 out of 211 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to its regional neighbors, reflecting a fragmented administrative structure often seen in smaller nations. The country's historical context, including its struggle for independence and subsequent political instability, has influenced its administrative organization and governance. Additionally, geographic factors such as its size and population density contribute to the limited number of divisions.
Data Source
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook, also known as the CIA World Factbook, was a reference resource produced by the US Central Intelligence Agency between 1962 and 2026 with almanac-style information about the countries of the world. From 1971 it was not classified, and available to the public in print since 1975, initially by the CIA, and later the Government Publishing Office.
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