Administrative Divisions 2015
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
Philippines - #5
North Macedonia - #6
Malta - #7
Azerbaijan - #8
Lithuania - #9
Algeria - #10
Russia
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #216
Wallis and Futuna Islands - #215
Eswatini - #214
Holy See - #213
United States Virgin Islands - #212
British Virgin Islands - #211
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - #210
United Kingdom - #209
Taiwan - #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 2015, Slovenia led the world with the highest number of Administrative Divisions, totaling 200, while the global range spanned from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 200. The average number of administrative divisions among the 191 countries with available data was 19.38, with a median of 13.00. This data provides a comprehensive view of how countries segment their governance on a regional level.
Influence of Governance Structures on Administrative Divisions
The number of administrative divisions within a country often reflects its governance structure and historical context. For instance, Slovenia and Serbia, with 200 and 122 divisions respectively, demonstrate a tendency towards decentralized governance. This can be attributed to their historical transitions from larger federations, like Yugoslavia, where regional autonomy was emphasized. In contrast, countries such as Belgium and Montserrat, each with only 3 divisions, reflect a more centralized governance approach, possibly due to their smaller geographical size or population.
Demographic and Geographic Drivers
Demographic density and geographic diversity also play crucial roles in determining the number of administrative divisions. Larger populations and diverse landscapes often necessitate more divisions to manage resources and services effectively. For example, Uganda and Latvia, with 111 and 110 divisions respectively, have structured their governance to cater to diverse populations and regional needs. Conversely, smaller island nations like Kiribati and Sao Tome and Principe, both with 2 divisions, can afford fewer administrative segments due to their limited geographic spread and population.
Economic Considerations and Administrative Efficiency
Economic factors also influence administrative division strategies. Countries with robust economies may establish more divisions to ensure efficient local governance and economic management. Turkey and the Philippines, with 81 and 80 divisions respectively, reflect this approach, aiming to enhance regional development through localized governance structures. In contrast, economically smaller nations or those focused on centralized economic planning, like Comoros with 3 divisions, may opt for fewer divisions to streamline administrative processes and reduce costs.
Year-over-Year Changes and Their Implications
The year-over-year changes in administrative divisions highlight strategic shifts in governance. The Democratic Republic of the Congo saw the largest increase with an addition of 15 divisions, marking a 150.0% rise, likely reflecting efforts to improve local governance and address regional disparities. Similarly, Luxembourg increased its divisions by 9 (a 300.0% rise), possibly to enhance administrative efficiency amidst growing economic activities. On the other hand, countries like Thailand and North Macedonia experienced slight decreases of 1 division each, indicating potential consolidations aimed at improving administrative efficiency or cost reductions.
In conclusion, the distribution and changes in administrative divisions across countries in 2015 were influenced by a blend of historical, demographic, geographic, and economic factors. These divisions are not merely numerical values but reflect deeper governance strategies and regional needs. Understanding these patterns provides valuable insights into how countries manage their internal affairs and respond to both challenges and opportunities on a local and global scale.
Insights by country
Eswatini
In 2015, Eswatini ranked #180 globally with 4 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to other countries in the Southern Africa region, which often feature more subdivisions for governance. The limited number of divisions in Eswatini reflects its small geographic size and population, as well as a centralized governance structure that emphasizes strong monarchical control over administrative regions.
Equatorial Guinea
In 2015, Equatorial Guinea had 7 Administrative Divisions, ranking #148 out of 216 countries. This number is relatively low compared to many neighboring countries in Central Africa, which often have more complex administrative structures. The limited number of divisions can be attributed to Equatorial Guinea's small geographic size and population, as well as a centralized governance model that consolidates administrative functions.
Cambodia
In 2015, Cambodia ranked #39 globally with 24 administrative divisions. This number is relatively high compared to some neighboring countries, reflecting a more decentralized governance structure. The administrative divisions are primarily influenced by Cambodia's historical context, including its efforts to enhance local governance and improve service delivery following decades of conflict and instability.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan ranked #10 globally with 66 Administrative Divisions in 2015. This number is significantly higher than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting a structured administrative framework. The extensive number of divisions is driven by Azerbaijan's diverse geography and the need for effective governance across its various regions, which include urban centers and rural areas.
Argentina
In 2015, Argentina ranked #43 globally with 23 administrative divisions. This figure is relatively high compared to some neighboring countries, such as Uruguay, which has only 19. The number of divisions reflects Argentina's vast geographic diversity and the need for localized governance across its varied regions, including major urban centers and rural areas.
Bermuda
In 2015, Bermuda ranked #126 globally with 9 Administrative Divisions. This is relatively low compared to other territories in the Caribbean, which often have more subdivisions to manage local governance. The limited number of divisions reflects Bermuda's small geographic size and population, which is approximately 62,000 residents, necessitating a more centralized administrative structure.
Brunei Darussalam
In 2015, Brunei Darussalam ranked #176 globally with 4 Administrative Divisions. This number is notably low compared to many neighboring Southeast Asian countries, which often have more complex administrative structures. The simplicity of Brunei's divisions reflects its small geographic size and population, allowing for efficient governance and resource management in this oil-rich nation.
China
In 2015, China ranked #45 globally with 23 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to larger countries like the United States, which has 50 states, reflecting China's unique governance structure. The country's administrative divisions include provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, which are influenced by its vast geographic diversity and significant population, necessitating a complex administrative framework to manage regional governance effectively.
American Samoa
In 2015, American Samoa ranked #192 with none for Administrative Divisions. This lack of first-order administrative divisions is notable compared to many countries, as most have multiple subdivisions for governance. American Samoa's governance structure is influenced by its status as a territory of the United States, which limits its administrative framework to three districts and two islands at the second order. The unique geographic composition, including islands like Rose Island and Swains Island, further shapes its administrative landscape.
Australia
In 2015, Australia ranked #157 globally with 6 Administrative Divisions. This number is relatively low compared to other countries, reflecting Australia's vast land area and relatively sparse population distribution. The country's unique geographic features, including large desert regions and coastal cities, influence its administrative structure, which is designed to manage resources and governance effectively across diverse environments.
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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