Administrative Divisions 2006
Explore administrative divisions across 266+ countries with interactive maps and rankings to understand regional governance and demographics.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #218
Kiribati - #217
Eswatini - #216
Kuwait - #215
Israel - #214
Zimbabwe - #213
Zambia - #212
Samoa - #211
Wallis and Futuna Islands - #210
Holy See - #209
United States Virgin Islands
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2006, Slovenia led the world in the number of Administrative Divisions with a total of 182, while the global range spanned from 1 to 182 divisions across 186 countries. The average number of administrative divisions worldwide was 17.81, with a median value of 13.
Distribution of Administrative Divisions
The distribution of administrative divisions across countries often reflects historical, political, and geographical factors. Slovenia, with its 182 divisions, showcases a highly granular administrative structure, likely a legacy of its historical governance frameworks and efforts to maintain localized administration. In contrast, countries like Saint Helena with just 1 division, or Sao Tome and Principe and Bosnia and Herzegovina with 2 each, demonstrate centralized governance, possibly due to smaller populations or geographical constraints.
Countries such as Turkey and the Philippines, with 81 and 79 divisions respectively, balance between regional autonomy and central control, reflecting diverse populations and large geographic areas that necessitate more localized governance structures. The presence of 50 divisions in the United States aligns with its federal system, where each state exercises significant governance autonomy.
Regional Influences on Administrative Structures
Geographic and demographic factors significantly influence the number of administrative divisions. For instance, countries like Vietnam and Thailand each have 59 and 76 divisions, respectively. These numbers are indicative of their diverse topographies and ethnic compositions, which require decentralized governance to effectively manage varied local needs.
On the other hand, smaller or more homogeneous countries such as Luxembourg and Greenland, each with 3 divisions, often have less need for extensive administrative breakdowns, relying instead on a more centralized approach to governance. This centralization can enhance administrative efficiency in managing smaller populations.
Year-over-Year Changes in Administrative Divisions
Analyzing the year-over-year changes reveals strategic shifts in governance. Lebanon experienced the largest increase with an addition of 2 divisions, marking a 33.3% increase. This change may reflect efforts to enhance regional governance and accommodate growing administrative needs.
In contrast, Bahrain saw the most significant decrease, reducing its divisions by 7 or 58.3%. Such a reduction could be attributed to policy shifts towards centralization, possibly to streamline governance or address economic constraints.
Other notable changes include Burundi, Morocco, Haiti, and Kuwait, each increasing their divisions by 1, reflecting modest adjustments to administrative frameworks, potentially aimed at improving local governance and service delivery.
Implications of Administrative Division Changes
The number and structure of administrative divisions have profound implications for governance and development. Countries with more divisions, like Slovenia and Turkey, may benefit from more tailored local governance, but they also face challenges of coordination and resource allocation. Conversely, countries with fewer divisions, such as Saint Helena or Luxembourg, may enjoy streamlined administration but risk over-centralization that can overlook local needs.
Changes in the number of divisions can signal shifts in political strategies or responses to demographic changes. For example, Lebanon's increase may be in response to complex internal demographics, while Bahrain's reduction could indicate a move towards centralizing authority to streamline governance processes.
Ultimately, the structure of administrative divisions reflects a country's unique socio-political landscape, balancing the need for local representation with the efficiency of central governance. These divisions are crucial for implementing policies, managing resources, and fostering regional development, making them a key focus for understanding governance dynamics worldwide.
Insights by country
Brunei Darussalam
In 2006, Brunei Darussalam ranked #172 globally with 4 Administrative Divisions. This number is lower than many neighboring ASEAN countries, which typically have more subdivisions to manage local governance. The limited number of divisions reflects Brunei's small geographic size and population, allowing for a centralized administrative structure that efficiently governs the nation.
Belgium
In 2006, Belgium ranked #106 globally with 10 Administrative Divisions. This figure is relatively low compared to neighboring countries like France, which has 13 regions, highlighting Belgium's unique federal structure. The country's division into three regions—Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital—reflects its complex linguistic and cultural diversity, which influences governance and policy-making.
El Salvador
In 2006, El Salvador ranked #80 globally with 14 administrative divisions. This number is relatively low compared to some neighboring Central American countries, which often have more subdivisions for local governance. The country's compact geographic size and historical consolidation of governance structures have influenced this administrative framework, reflecting a focus on efficiency in public administration.
India
In 2006, India ranked #27 globally with 28 Administrative Divisions. This number is significant compared to neighboring countries like Pakistan, which has 4 provinces, highlighting India's extensive administrative framework. The diversity of India's population and geography necessitates these divisions, allowing for more localized governance and resource management across its varied states and union territories.
Pakistan
In 2006, Pakistan ranked #174 globally with 4 Administrative Divisions. This number is significantly lower than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting a more centralized governance structure compared to countries like India, which has 28 states and union territories. The limited number of divisions can be attributed to Pakistan's historical context, where administrative boundaries were shaped by colonial legacies and ongoing political considerations.
Lesotho
In 2006, Lesotho had 10 Administrative Divisions, ranking #115 out of 218 countries. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring South Africa, which has 9 provinces, indicating a different administrative structure. The limited number of divisions reflects Lesotho's small geographical size and population, as the country is landlocked within South Africa and has a total area of just 30,355 square kilometers.
Saudi Arabia
In 2006, Saudi Arabia ranked #93 globally with 13 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to its neighbors, such as Iraq, which has 18 divisions. The country’s administrative structure is influenced by its vast geography and the centralization of power in the monarchy, which has historically prioritized a streamlined governance model to manage its oil-rich regions effectively.
Madagascar
In 2006, Madagascar ranked #164 globally with 6 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to many neighboring countries in the region, which often have more subdivisions to facilitate governance. The limited number of administrative divisions can be attributed to Madagascar's unique geographic challenges, including its large land area and diverse ecosystems, which complicate administrative management and resource allocation.
Mauritania
In 2006, Mauritania had 12 administrative divisions, ranking #97 out of 218 countries. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors, as many countries in West Africa have more administrative divisions to manage local governance. The sparse population distribution and vast desert geography of Mauritania contribute to its limited number of divisions, as the government focuses on managing larger areas rather than smaller, more localized jurisdictions.
Jamaica
In 2006, Jamaica ranked #81 globally with 14 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively modest compared to larger countries, where administrative divisions can number in the hundreds, such as the United States with its 50 states. The distribution of these divisions reflects Jamaica's geographic layout and the need for efficient local governance in a nation characterized by its mountainous terrain and coastal regions.
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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