Administrative Divisions 2007
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.
- #214
Wallis and Futuna Islands
- #213
Holy See
- #212
United States Virgin Islands
- #211
British Virgin Islands
- #210
United Kingdom
- #209
Taiwan
- #208
Tuvalu
- #207
Sao Tome and Principe
- #206
Tokelau
- #205
Turks and Caicos Islands
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2007, the country with the highest number of Administrative Divisions was Serbia with 190 divisions, while the global range spanned from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 190. The average number of administrative divisions globally was 18.72, providing a broad context for understanding regional governance across different nations.
Patterns of Administrative Complexity
The data from 2007 reveals significant variation in the number of administrative divisions across countries, with a noticeable concentration of divisions in certain regions. Serbia, leading with 190 divisions, reflects a complex administrative structure possibly due to historical and political factors. Similarly, Slovenia follows closely with 182 divisions, indicating a detailed regional governance framework.
On the other end of the spectrum, countries like Saint Helena, Tajikistan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have minimal divisions, each with numbers as low as 1 to 2. This simplicity could be attributed to smaller geographical sizes or centralized governance models that require fewer administrative layers.
Economic and Geographic Influences
The distribution of administrative divisions often correlates with economic and geographic factors. For instance, countries with extensive territories such as Turkey and Philippines, each with 81 divisions, manage diverse regions that may necessitate more localized governance to address varied regional needs. In contrast, smaller island nations like Sao Tome and Principe and Kiribati, each with only 2 to 3 divisions, often operate under simpler administrative frameworks due to their limited landmass and population.
Furthermore, the average number of divisions, 18.72, implies that many countries operate with a moderate level of administrative complexity, balancing between centralized and decentralized governance to effectively manage resources and regional development.
Year-over-Year Changes and Their Implications
The year-over-year changes in administrative divisions highlight significant shifts in some countries. Serbia experienced the most dramatic increase, adding 161 divisions, marking a 555.2% growth. This increase may be linked to internal restructuring efforts aimed at improving governance and regional representation. France and Chad also saw increases of 4 divisions each, reflecting modest adjustments in administrative structures.
Conversely, Rwanda exhibited a notable decrease, reducing its divisions by 7, which is a 58.3% reduction. This decrease may indicate a move towards more centralized governance or a response to administrative inefficiencies. Other countries like Russia and Laos had minor reductions, suggesting ongoing optimization of their administrative frameworks.
Policy and Governance Implications
The configuration of administrative divisions is often a reflection of a country's governance model and policy priorities. Countries with a high number of divisions, such as Vietnam and Azerbaijan with 59 each, might emphasize localized governance to cater to diverse populations and regional needs. This approach can facilitate more targeted policy implementation and resource allocation.
In contrast, countries with fewer divisions, such as Greenland and Comoros, may rely on a more centralized governance system, which can streamline decision-making processes but may also limit regional autonomy. Understanding these dynamics provides insight into how countries balance efficiency with representation in their administrative strategies.
Overall, the data on administrative divisions in 2007 underscores the diversity of governance approaches worldwide, shaped by historical, economic, and geographic factors. These divisions play a critical role in determining how countries manage their internal affairs and address the needs of their populations.
Insights by country
Singapore
In 2007, Singapore ranked #208 with none for Administrative Divisions among 214 countries. This lack of administrative divisions is notable compared to its regional neighbors, many of which have multiple subdivisions for governance. Singapore's compact geographical size and efficient governance model allow it to operate effectively without the need for distinct administrative divisions, relying instead on a centralized government structure.
Antigua and Barbuda
In 2007, Antigua and Barbuda had 6 administrative divisions, ranking #151 out of 214 countries. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors like Saint Kitts and Nevis, which has just 2 divisions. The limited number of divisions can be attributed to the small geographic size of the country and its population, which necessitates a simpler administrative structure to facilitate governance and public service delivery.
Taiwan
Taiwan ranked #189 globally for its Administrative Divisions in 2007, which include the main island of Taiwan along with smaller islands nearby and off the coast of China's Fujian Province, divided into 18 counties, 5 municipalities, and 2 special municipalities.
This number reflects Taiwan's unique political status and geographic configuration, which influences its administrative structure. The presence of numerous islands and a focus on local governance are key factors shaping its division into smaller administrative units, enabling more targeted resource management and regional development.
Belgium
In 2007, Belgium ranked #105 globally with 10 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring countries like France, which has 18 regions. The limited number of divisions can be attributed to Belgium's unique federal structure, which balances power between the central government and regional authorities, reflecting its complex linguistic and cultural diversity.
Chad
In 2007, Chad ranked #61 globally with 18 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively high compared to some neighboring countries, reflecting a need for localized governance in a nation characterized by vast desert landscapes and diverse ethnic groups. The administrative divisions help manage Chad's complex social fabric and facilitate governance in a country where regional disparities in development and resources are significant.
Solomon Islands
In 2007, the Solomon Islands ranked #123 globally with 9 Administrative Divisions. This figure is relatively low compared to regional neighbors like Vanuatu, which has 6 divisions, indicating a more complex administrative structure. The number of divisions reflects the country's geographical diversity, comprising over 900 islands, and its need for localized governance to manage resources and services effectively across its dispersed population.
Colombia
In 2007, Colombia ranked #20 globally with 32 Administrative Divisions. This number is significant compared to regional neighbors like Venezuela, which has 25 divisions, indicating a more complex administrative structure in Colombia. The extensive number of divisions reflects Colombia's diverse geography and the need for localized governance to address the unique challenges of its varied regions, including urban centers and rural areas affected by conflict and economic disparity.
Barbados
In 2007, Barbados ranked #100 globally with 11 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to larger nations, which often have more extensive administrative structures to manage their populations and territories. The limited number of divisions in Barbados can be attributed to its small geographic size and population, necessitating a simpler administrative framework to efficiently govern and deliver services.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan ranked #7 globally with 59 Administrative Divisions in 2007. This figure is notable compared to regional neighbors, which typically have fewer divisions, reflecting Azerbaijan's administrative complexity. The extensive number of divisions is driven by the country's geographic diversity and the need for localized governance to manage its varied landscapes and demographics effectively.
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde ranked #67 globally with 17 Administrative Divisions in 2007. This number is relatively high compared to many countries in the region, indicating a structured administrative framework. The archipelago's geographic isolation and small population necessitate efficient governance across its islands, which influences its division into multiple administrative units.
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.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Administrative Divisions data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.
More Government Facts
Rule of Law Index by Country
Compare countries by Rule of Law percentile rank, reflecting confidence in laws, courts, police, property rights, and protection from crime and violence.
View dataBrowse All Government
Explore more facts and statistics in this category
All Categories
Discover more categories with comprehensive global data