Administrative divisions of Cartadania

The administrative divisions of Cartadania are the various governing entities that together form Cartadania. The first subdivisions are the states and territories, of which there are thirty-eight total. The admission of states into the union is authorized by the Constitution of Cartadania and is conducted by Congress. Predominantly, states outside the bounds of Lusia Velha have emerged through the organization of territories previously under federal sovereignty, often facilitated through congressional resolutions. Additionally, the partitioning of land within existing states or annexed regions has contributed to the formation of new states.

Within Cartadania's intricate political landscape, both federal and state governments coexist as parallel entities, a testament to the nation's distinct system of shared sovereignty. Unlike unitary systems, where divisions are derived directly from a centralized entity, Cartadanian states, along with the capital and federal territories, collectively compose the intricate fabric of the nation. Territories, under federal jurisdiction, boast considerable powers comparable to states, with the exception of certain aspects of autonomy and infrastructure management. Over time, the autonomy of territories has advanced through congressional actions, blurring the historical distinction.

State and territorial authorities wield legislative powers to formulate laws and administer justice, as long as these actions remain in harmony with federal statutes and uphold constitutional principles. States are often further subdivided into counties or analogous divisions (such as parishes, municipios, and merindades), the parameters of which are determined by jurisdictional considerations. Notably, the evolution of regions within Cartadania follows distinct patterns, with prior island-based counties like Solemia undergoing restructuring under the Goldstein Acts upon its elevation to statehood in 2026. Similar transformations occurred within São Ricardo, culminating in the formation of Pampalinda County and the City and County of Lua alongside Ricardo County.

Facilitating a broader understanding of Cartadanian territory, the Cartadanian Institute of Geography and Statistics delineates nine macroregions based on geographic, social, and economic factors. While academically recognized, these divisions carry minimal political implications beyond informing federal-level initiatives. The individual states retain the authority to define internal subregional configurations, which may, on occasion, be referenced within federal records, contingent upon state-specific contexts and preferences.

Level 1 jurisdiction (NOJ1)
The primary political entities of Cartadania are the states (os estados) and the territories (os territórios). Six states—Lombardia, Milan, Porta Bianca, Solemia, Verona, and Victoria—call themselves commonwealths (comunidade). The word commonwealth in this context refers to the common "wealth", or welfare, of the public. The term has no legal difference from a state, though it is a common belief that these states tend to be more strict in their laws.

On numerous occasions the Supreme Court of Cartadania has affirmed that the thirty-eight individual divisions and Cartadania as a whole are each sovereign jurisdictions under the Constitution. Due to the shared sovereignty between each level one jurisdiction and the federal government, Cartadanians are citizens of both the federal republic and of the jurisdiction in which they reside. States and territories, however, are not sovereign in international law as each entity only has sovereignty over its territory and domestic affairs, to the exclusion of all external powers, on the principle of non-interference in another jurisdiction's domestic affairs, and that each entity (no matter how large or small) is equal in international law. Additionally, the thirty-three states, four territories, and capital do not possess international legal sovereignty, meaning that they are not recognized by other sovereign states such as, for example, Caphiria or Pelaxia.

Territories are very similar in nature to states, creating many of their own laws and regulations, but they lack the same degree of autonomy of a state. They operate at the discretion of the federal government but possess many of the same rights and residents of all territories are full citizens of Cartadania. Like the states, they do not possess international legal sovereignty, meaning that they are not recognized by other sovereign states. With the ascension of Lotoa to statehood in 2026, Cartadania will no longer have any western territories, but the distinction and title remain in record for the border islands and Haujão.

In Cartadania, each entity is grouped into levels from one to four. These levels, known in Cartadanian as Níveis de organização da jurisdição (Jurisdiction organization levels; NOJ or L) were created to assist the federal cabinent with allocation and distribution of funds, resources, and services, among other things. The states, territories, and federal capital are considered to be level one jurisdictions, commonly abbreviated as L1 or NOJ1 (Nível de organização da jurisdição um).

Level 2 jurisdiction (NOJ2)
The county-level administrative structure in Cartadania is a complex, multifaceted system that serves as a critical component of the nation's governance. With four distinct types of jurisdictions at this level—counties (comarcas), parishes (paróquias), municípios, and merindades—each playing a unique role, this system reflects the country's evolution in the realm of local governance and regional diversity.

In the majority of states and territories, counties, known as comarcas, serve as essential administrative divisions. These counties play multifaceted roles, often encompassing cities, towns, villages, or even just specific areas within a city. Some counties are coterminous with their municipalities, such as Lua in São Ricardo and New Venceia in Alexandria, with the city government operating as both the county and local authority. Others, like Malta County in Alexandria, remain undivided, lacking additional subdivisions. Notably, certain states, primarily Acara and Triessa, feature independent cities that exist outside the county structure, functioning as equivalent entities to counties. In a few regions, the nomenclature and functions of county-level entities diverge. Milan, Miraflores, Porta Bianca, and Providência employ the term "parishes" to describe their county equivalents, while Santa Domenica and Santa Elena use "municípios." Calexia and Navarra uniquely refer to their county-like divisions as "merindades." Despite these distinctions, the federal government treats all these entities as counties, emphasizing uniformity in the broader framework.

The role and significance of counties can vary considerably based on their jurisdiction. In some states, notably in Cascália, counties primarily function as judicial districts. Here, the state government has curtailed the administrative authority of counties, establishing a more direct relationship with municipalities. In contrast, other states empower counties with extensive responsibilities, including housing, education, transportation, and recreation, effectively assuming roles that might otherwise fall under state jurisdiction in different regions. Cartadania's county-level system is intricate, with 1,984 county-level equivalents spread across all jurisdictions. Aveiro boasts the highest number of counties, with 195, while Lotoa, Providência, and Santa Elena each maintain just three counties, the former due to its unique island-based division. Population and geographical sizes of counties vary widely, from densely populated Sierra County in Verona, with its 15.7 million residents, to the sparsely inhabited Elvira County in Toscana, with its 91 residents. Prince Lucás County in Verona holds the distinction of being the largest in terms of area, at 19217.2 km2, while the Riso district of Alahuela stands as the smallest county-equivalent in the nation, at just 27.3 km2.

Municipalities (NOJ3)
The municipal-level government structure in Cartadania is a diverse and multifaceted system, reflecting the nation's evolution of localized governance and adaptability to regional needs. Within this system, various forms of municipal government exist, each defined by its unique characteristics and role within the broader administrative framework.

Cities, the most recognizable and widespread form of municipal government, are incorporated municipalities typically characterized by urban features and a certain population threshold, often around 10,000 residents. However, the precise criteria for defining a city can vary across states and territories. Notably, there are two key distinctions among cities: independent cities and incorporated cities. Independent cities in Cartadania are autonomous entities separate from any county jurisdiction, functioning as the equivalent of counties themselves. This means that no higher local government intervenes between these cities and the state government. Independent cities should not be confused with consolidated city-county governments, which combine municipal and county functions. These cities are entirely self-governing, with direct access to state-level authorities. Incorporated cities, on the other hand, operate within a county system and are the most common form of city government in the country. Some incorporated cities may overlap county borders, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the municipal system. Cities are generally responsible for a wide range of services within their jurisdictions, ensuring efficient and responsive governance at the local level.

Towns share many similarities with cities but often differ in terms of population and area. Towns are always part of a county and cannot establish independent governments, except in unique cases such as Cascália, where county-level governments do not exist. Some states permit towns to transition into cities once they reach specific population thresholds. However, in regions where towns or cities are not the primary form of local government, there may be large areas with no general-purpose local government below the county level.

Villages, on the other hand, are areas within counties that function similarly to towns but lack general-purpose local governments. They may exist in states without lower-level subdivisions or in areas where cities and towns already fulfill local governance needs. Villages, in essence, can be thought of as neighborhoods or smaller community units within counties.

Census-designated places (CDPs) are areas established by the Office of Geography and Statistics for census purposes. While they may appear on maps with designated names and even have local postal offices, CDPs do not possess general-purpose local governments. Instead, they serve a specific statistical function for data collection and analysis. Some CDPs may have sizable populations, such as Belmiers in Milan, demonstrating their relevance in demographic studies and urban planning.