Geographic and administrative organization
Explore in more detail all relevant references that can contribute to a better understanding of the operation and administration of each municipality.
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Portugal and its organizations
Portugal's cultural and territorial diversity is second to none. Together with the multitude of tales and traditions across many different regions, one can roam from the mountains to the ocean in Portugal over short distances. Additionally, staying connected with the people and their circumstances is one of the most important features of Portuguese democracy, as enshrined in its constitution.
To fully grasp the country and its multiplicity, its structure and the role of local authorities, it is essential to thoroughly assess the relationship between the geographical arrangement and the administrative organization of the different realities.
The geographical organization of the country is divided into three groups:
Continent
Islands
Continent
Administrative regions
Administrative subdivision
Islands
Autonomous regions
Administrative subdivision
When in geographic organization we talk about...
Established in 1985, the administrative and judicial districts constitute the country's broadest geographical subdivision but only pertain to mainland Portugal.
In the administrative organization we talk about...
In the administrative organization we talk about...
These commissions serve as central government departments with administrative and financial autonomy, charged with implementing important measures for the regions' development.
These informal structures and networks between municipalities are not an administrative subdivision per se, but help create cross-regional synergies.
When in geographic organization we talk about...
Implemented in mainland Portugal and islands, counties are the geographical subdivision of districts and a major part of the country's functioning.
In the administrative organization we talk about...
In the administrative organization we talk about...
Municipalities constitute one of the country's administrative subdivisions, reflecting municipal power and the state's decentralisation towards the people.
Municipal Council
Executive body
Municipal Assembly
Deliberative body
When in geographic organization we talk about...
The smallest territorial unit adopted in Portugal's territorial organisation, parishes are the geographical subdivision of municipalities.
In the administrative organization we talk about...
In the administrative organization we talk about...
They are also a key component of municipal power, as Portugal's smallest administrative subdivision.
Parish Council
Executive body
Parish Assembly
Deliberative body
Numbers to keep in mind
Figures are useful to have a better understanding of the country's geography and administration, thus providing an accurate picture of the extent of these resources.
For an even better insight into the country, either geographically or administratively, below are some numbers that can ultimately improve the visualisation of the concepts above.
10282306
Total resident population
2
Number of autonomous regions
18
Number of districts
308
Total number of counties
308
Total number of municipalities
3092
Total number of parishes
5
Total coordination and regional development commissions
23
Metropolitan Areas and Intermunicipal Communities