Raions

Raion is an administrative division used in several post-Soviet states and other territories influenced by the former USSR. Typically translated as district or arrondissement, a raion is a subdivision of a larger unit such as an oblast, krai, autonomous republic, or province, and usually includes towns, villages, and rural settlements and sometimes urban districts within a city.

The term comes from the Russian word район (rayón) meaning district. The concept originated in the Russian Empire and was expanded during the Soviet era; after the dissolution of the USSR, raions remained a common level of administration in many successor states.

In many countries, a raion's administration is headed by a raion administrator or similar official; it may coordinate municipalities, collect local taxes, and implement regional programs. The exact powers and responsibilities vary by country and constitutional framework.

Variations exist between countries. Some raions are purely rural, others are urban districts within major cities. Administrative reforms in several states in recent decades have altered the number, boundaries, and powers of raions.

Examples and scope: In Russia, raions are subdivisions of federal subjects; in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan they exist within oblasts or regions; Uzbekistan and Tajikistan use raions within their provinces. The term continues to appear in official names and maps, even where reform has changed governance.

As with other administrative units, the exact powers and structure of a raion depend on national law.