Administrative Divisions 2010
Explore administrative divisions across 266+ countries with interactive maps and rankings to understand regional governance and demographics.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
Aruba - #2
Serbia - #3
Latvia - #4
North Macedonia - #5
Philippines - #6
Azerbaijan - #7
Algeria - #8
Russia - #9
Romania - #10
Nigeria
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #216
Zambia - #215
Wallis and Futuna Islands - #214
Holy See - #213
United States Virgin Islands - #212
British Virgin Islands - #211
United Kingdom - #210
Taiwan - #209
Tuvalu - #208
Sao Tome and Principe - #207
Tokelau
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2010, the country with the highest number of Administrative Divisions was Slovenia with 210 divisions, while Tajikistan, Sao Tome and Principe, and Bosnia and Herzegovina had the fewest, each with only 2 divisions. The global range for administrative divisions therefore extended from 2 to 210. The average number of administrative divisions globally was 19.49, providing a baseline for understanding how countries organize their regional governance.
Understanding the Extremes: Slovenia and Tajikistan
The significant difference in the number of administrative divisions between countries like Slovenia and Tajikistan reveals much about their governance and administrative strategies. Slovenia, with 210 divisions, reflects a decentralized approach where local governance allows for tailored administration at a very granular level. This can be advantageous for addressing the unique needs of small communities and fostering local governance.
Conversely, Tajikistan and other countries with only 2 divisions often centralize administrative functions. This may be driven by economic constraints, smaller geographic size, or less diverse populations which do not necessitate extensive administrative segmentation. Such centralization can streamline decision-making but may also lead to less responsive local governance.
Regional Patterns and Influences
Countries like Serbia with 167 divisions and Latvia with 109, also show a strong preference for decentralized administration. In Serbia, historical and ethnic complexities likely contribute to the need for numerous divisions to manage diverse communities effectively. Meanwhile, Latvia's increase by 83 divisions, marking a 319.2% rise, might be attributed to administrative reforms aimed at improving local governance and regional development.
In contrast, countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, and Sierra Leone maintain fewer divisions, each with just 3. This minimalist approach can be seen in nations with a relatively small land area or homogeneous populations where extensive division may not be necessary.
Year-over-Year Changes and Their Implications
The year-over-year data on administrative divisions highlights significant changes, with Latvia experiencing the most substantial increase. The addition of 83 divisions in Latvia (319.2%) suggests a strategic shift towards more localized governance. Similarly, Slovenia increased its divisions by 28, reflecting a continued commitment to decentralized administration.
On the other hand, countries like Libya, experiencing a decrease of 3 divisions (-12.0%), and Qatar, with a decrease of 3 divisions (-30.0%), may illustrate moves towards consolidation, possibly driven by economic considerations or political restructuring. Such changes can impact governance efficiency, local representation, and resource distribution.
Economic and Policy Drivers
Economic resources and policy decisions significantly influence the number of administrative divisions. Countries with robust economies might afford to support more divisions, facilitating local governance and development. For example, Philippines and Thailand, each with 80 and 76 divisions respectively, leverage their administrative structures to manage diverse populations and regional economic hubs effectively.
Policy reforms, often driven by the need for improved governance, can lead to changes in administrative divisions. For instance, Finland's increase by 14 divisions (233.3%) is indicative of policy-driven restructuring aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and local government performance.
Overall, the data on administrative divisions in 2010 underscores the diverse approaches countries take to governance and regional administration. Whether through extensive decentralization or streamlined centralization, each approach reflects a balance between economic capability, demographic needs, and policy objectives.
Insights by country
Afghanistan
In 2010, Afghanistan ranked #19 globally with 34 Administrative Divisions. This number is notably higher than some neighboring countries, reflecting Afghanistan's complex administrative structure amidst its diverse ethnic groups and regional governance challenges. The extensive number of divisions is driven by the need to manage local governance effectively in a nation characterized by significant geographic and cultural diversity.
Lithuania
In 2010, Lithuania ranked #116 globally with 10 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to its Baltic neighbors, Latvia and Estonia, which have 7 and 15 divisions, respectively. The administrative structure in Lithuania reflects a balance of historical governance and modern administrative efficiency, shaped by its post-Soviet transition and efforts to decentralize power.
Ghana
In 2010, Ghana had 10 Administrative Divisions, ranking #112 out of 216 countries. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring countries like Côte d'Ivoire, which has 31 divisions, reflecting Ghana's centralized governance structure. The administrative divisions in Ghana are primarily influenced by its historical colonial boundaries and the need for efficient local governance to manage its diverse ethnic groups and regional development needs.
Benin
In 2010, Benin ranked #98 globally with 12 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors like Nigeria, which has 36 states, reflecting Benin's smaller administrative framework. The limited number of divisions can be attributed to its geographic size and demographic distribution, which influences governance and resource allocation in the country.
San Marino
In 2010, San Marino ranked #132 globally with 9 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to larger countries, which often have more complex administrative structures. The small size of San Marino, both in area and population, allows for a simpler governance model, reflecting its historical context and the need for efficient administration in a compact territory.
Comoros
In 2010, Comoros ranked #177 globally with 3 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to many neighboring countries in the Indian Ocean, which often have more complex administrative structures. The limited number of divisions in Comoros can be attributed to its small geographic size and population, which influences governance and administrative efficiency.
Andorra
In 2010, Andorra ranked #142 globally with 7 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to larger neighboring countries, which typically have more extensive administrative frameworks. The limited number of divisions reflects Andorra's small geographic size and population, as it is a microstate nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain.
Norway
In 2010, Norway ranked #59 globally with 19 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring Sweden, which has 21 divisions, indicating a more centralized governance structure in Norway. The country's extensive coastline and mountainous terrain contribute to its unique administrative needs, allowing for efficient management of resources and services across its diverse regions.
Angola
In 2010, Angola ranked #61 globally with 18 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively high compared to some neighboring countries, indicating a more complex administrative structure. The divisions are primarily driven by Angola's vast geographic diversity and the need for local governance in its varied regions, which include urban areas like Luanda and rural provinces rich in natural resources.
Nigeria
In 2010, Nigeria ranked #18 globally with 36 Administrative Divisions. This number is significantly higher than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting Nigeria's complex governance structure. The country's diverse ethnic groups and vast geographic expanse necessitate multiple divisions to manage local governance effectively, allowing for better representation and resource allocation across its populous states.
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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