Administrative Divisions 2009
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 2009, Slovenia led the world in Administrative Divisions with a total of 182. The global range of administrative divisions spanned from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 182, highlighting significant variation in the number of divisions across countries. The global average stood at 18.74, providing a benchmark for understanding regional governance structures worldwide.
Understanding the Extremes: High and Low Counts
The disparity in the number of administrative divisions among countries can often be attributed to geographical size, population distribution, and governance structures. For instance, Slovenia and Serbia, with 182 and 167 divisions respectively, reflect a high degree of regional governance possibly due to historical and political considerations that necessitate localized administration.
Conversely, countries like Saint Helena and Sao Tome and Principe each have only 1 or 2 divisions, likely due to their small geographical size and population, which allows for centralized governance without the need for extensive administrative subdivisions. This centralization can streamline governance but may also limit local autonomy.
Geopolitical and Policy Influences
The variation in administrative divisions is often influenced by geopolitical and policy decisions. For example, Turkey with 81 divisions and Philippines with 80 demonstrate how countries with diverse populations and geographical challenges often opt for more divisions to ensure effective governance and representation. These divisions can facilitate better resource distribution and local governance.
In contrast, Belgium, despite its small size, has only 3 divisions, a significant decrease from previous years. This reduction could be attributed to political restructuring aimed at simplifying governance in response to regional demands for autonomy and efficiency.
Year-over-Year Changes and Their Implications
Analyzing year-over-year changes provides insights into evolving governance structures. Uganda experienced the largest increase in administrative divisions, adding 24 new divisions, a 42.9% increase. This expansion likely reflects efforts to enhance administrative efficiency and local governance in response to population growth and regional needs.
Conversely, Belgium saw a decrease of 7 divisions, a substantial 70.0% reduction, potentially indicating a shift towards more centralized governance. Similarly, Lebanon reduced its divisions by 2, reflecting ongoing political restructuring.
Regional Governance and Economic Factors
Economic factors also play a crucial role in determining the number of administrative divisions. Countries with robust economic activities often have more divisions to manage resources effectively. Vietnam and Thailand, with 58 and 76 divisions respectively, illustrate how economic growth necessitates more nuanced administrative frameworks to support development and infrastructure planning.
In contrast, smaller economies like Montserrat and Luxembourg, each with 3 divisions, may not require extensive administrative structures due to their limited economic activities and smaller populations.
Overall, the number of administrative divisions in a country is not just a reflection of its governance style but also its historical, geopolitical, and economic contexts. Understanding these divisions provides valuable insights into how countries manage their internal affairs and adapt to changing needs over time.
Insights by country
French Polynesia
In 2009, French Polynesia ranked #195 with no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government. This places it among the lowest globally, reflecting its status as an overseas territory of France, unlike many neighboring Pacific nations that have more defined administrative structures. The absence of these divisions is primarily due to French Polynesia's unique governance model, which is influenced by its geographic isolation and the centralized administration from France.
Slovakia
In 2009, Slovakia had 8 Administrative Divisions, ranking #140 out of 214 countries. This number is relatively low compared to many European nations, which often have more subdivisions for governance. The administrative structure is influenced by Slovakia's historical governance and its transition to independence in 1993, leading to a streamlined approach to local administration.
Montserrat
In 2009, Montserrat ranked #180 globally with 3 Administrative Divisions. This number is notably lower than many other Caribbean nations, reflecting Montserrat's small land area and population. The limited number of divisions is primarily due to its status as a British Overseas Territory, which influences its governance and administrative structure.
New Zealand
In 2009, New Zealand ranked #72 globally with 16 Administrative Divisions. This number is lower than the global average, indicating a relatively streamlined administrative structure compared to larger nations. The country's geographic isolation and its governance model, which emphasizes local decision-making, contribute to this number, allowing for efficient management of its diverse landscapes and communities.
Malta
In 2009, Malta ranked #199 globally for Administrative Divisions with a value of none, as the country is administered directly from Valletta. This is notably lower than many neighboring Mediterranean countries, which typically have more established administrative frameworks. The absence of formal divisions is largely due to Malta's small geographic size and population, leading to a centralized governance structure where local councils execute administrative orders.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
In 2009, Saint Kitts and Nevis ranked #87 globally with 14 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively high for the Caribbean region, where many countries have fewer divisions due to smaller land areas and populations. The administrative structure reflects the country’s efforts to manage governance effectively across its two main islands, with a focus on local administration and community engagement.
Romania
In 2009, Romania ranked #16 globally with 41 Administrative Divisions. This number is notably higher than many of its neighbors, reflecting a more decentralized administrative structure compared to countries like Bulgaria. The distribution of these divisions is influenced by Romania's diverse geography and historical regions, which necessitate local governance to address varied economic and social needs across different areas.
Thailand
In 2009, Thailand ranked #7 globally with 76 Administrative Divisions, indicating a complex administrative structure. This number is notably higher than many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, reflecting Thailand's historical emphasis on local governance and administrative efficiency. The country's divisions facilitate regional governance, enhance public service delivery, and support its diverse population, which includes various ethnic groups and cultures.
Yemen
In 2009, Yemen had 21 Administrative Divisions, ranking #51 out of 214 countries. This number is relatively high compared to regional neighbors, reflecting a complex governance structure amidst ongoing challenges. The divisions are largely influenced by Yemen's diverse geography and tribal affiliations, which have historically shaped local administration and governance practices.
Netherlands
In 2009, the Netherlands ranked #99 globally with 12 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to its neighbor Belgium, which has 3 regions and 3 communities, indicating a different approach to regional governance. The Netherlands' administrative structure reflects its historical development and the need for efficient management of its densely populated areas, particularly in urban settings such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
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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