Prefectures
Overview
A Prefecture is an administrative jurisdiction or subdivision in various countries, including those in Asia and Europe. It is a term used by many countries to denote a territorial division or district. The nature of these divisions varies significantly from country to country. Some have a long history and deep cultural significance, while others are more modern administrative units.
In Asia
Japan
In Japan, the prefecture is the largest administrative division, with each of the country's 47 prefectures being governed by an elected governor, legislature, and administrative bureaucracy. Each prefecture is further divided into cities, towns, and villages. The term "prefecture" is known in Japanese as "ken" (県), but there are also four other terms used for particular prefecture types: "to" (都, for Tokyo), "do" (道, for Hokkaido), "fu" (府, for Osaka and Kyoto), and "ken" (県, for the remaining 43 prefectures).
China
In the People's Republic of China, a prefecture is an administrative division between a province and a county. There are 333 prefecture-level divisions in total, including 17 prefectures, 283 prefecture-level cities, 30 autonomous prefectures and 3 leagues. Prefectures in China are not self-governing, but are subject to the administration of the provincial level.
In Europe
France
In France, a prefecture may denote the administrative headquarters, or capital, of a department. It is the residence of a prefect, who represents the state at the departmental level. There are 101 prefectures in France, one for each department. The official in charge is known as the prefect (préfet), who is an appointed representative of the national government.
Greece
In Greece, the prefectures were first established in 1833, following the Greek War of Independence. They were abolished in 2006 and replaced by regional units. They were governed by a prefect (nomarch) who was appointed by the government.
In Africa
Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, a prefecture is an administrative division. There are 45 provinces in Burkina Faso, and each province is divided into prefectures. The prefect, appointed by the government, is the representative of the state in the prefecture.