Distrito

Distrito is a term used in many Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries to denote an administrative subdivision that is part of a larger political unit such as a province, state, or municipality. The word comes from Latin districtus and has historically referred to a defined area for governance, administration, or service delivery. The exact status and powers of a distrito vary by country and legal framework.

In Peru, districts are the third-level administrative divisions, under provinces and departments, and each district typically has elected representatives and responsibilities related to local planning, basic services, and community matters. In Brazil, a distrito is a subdivision of a municipality, often serving as a population center or administrative area within a city, and some districts have limited sublocal governance.

In Europe, some large cities divide themselves into districts (distritos in Spanish or distritos in Portuguese) for urban administration. In Spain, for example, major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona use districts to organize municipal services and planning, though the structure is not uniform across the country. In Portugal, distrito is a traditional geographic division grouping several municipalities and playing a role in statistical and administrative contexts, distinct from the municipal level.

In Latin America, the term also appears in names of special administrative entities, such as Distrito Federal, used historically or in certain countries to denote a capital region with a status distinct from surrounding areas; in some places this has evolved into a separate federal entity or city-state.

Overall, the specific duties of a distrito are defined by national or regional law and can include urban planning, public services, taxation administration, and electoral organization, depending on the jurisdiction.