Administrative divisions of Cartadania: Difference between revisions

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, Verona|Sierra County]] in [[Verona]], with its 15.7 million residents, to the sparsely inhabited [[Elvira County, Toscana|Elvira County]] in [[Toscana]], with its 91 residents. [[Prince Lucás County, Verona|Prince Lucás County]] in Verona holds the distinction of being the largest in terms of area, at {{convert|19217.2|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}, while the [[Riso]] district of [[Alahuela]] stands as the smallest county-equivalent in the nation, at just {{convert|27.3|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}.

{{See also|List of municipalities in Cartadania}}

There are various forms of municipal government below or adjacent to the county level within Cartadania. Cities are defined differently by the governments of each state and territory but typically are incorporated municipalities with some urban character of a certain population (e.g., 10k people). Some cities are independent cities, which means that they are separate from, and independent of, any county they may be near or within. Thus, these cities are the equivalent of counties as they have no higher local government intervening between them and the state government. Independent cities also should not be confused with consolidated city-county governments. An independent city is not part of any county, whereas a consolidated city and county is both a municipal corporation (''cidade'' or city) and an administrative division of the state (''comarca'' or county). There are also incorporated cities, which are a part of and operate under a county system. These are the most common form of city government found in Cartadania. Some incorporated cities overlap county borders. Cities are typically responsible for many services in their jurisdiction. Some states are composed solely of cities (i.e., Milan, Verona, and Victoria) and contain no towns or villages. Areas outside of cities are unincorporated areas of the county, though they may be designated as a "census-designated place".