Subprefectures

Subprefectures are administrative divisions that are below the prefectural level in the hierarchy of local government in certain countries, particularly in East Asia.

In Japan, for example, subprefectures, or "shi or gun", are the second-level administrative divisions of the country, below the prefectures. Each subprefecture is headquartered in a major city or town and is responsible for providing a range of public services, including education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

In Taiwan, which was known as Formosa and later Taiwan Province during the period of Japanese rule, subprefectures were established in 1919 as an administrative reorganization of Taiwan Province. Taiwan's administration is divided into 22 municipalities and counties, each of which is further divided into subprefectures. These subprefectures are subsequently divided into townships.

In some countries, such as Indonesia and Taiwan, subprefectures serve as intermediate administrative divisions between the province or prefecture and the village or district. They are often used as intermediate levels for administrative and fiscal management. In other cases, subprefectures may be called " districts", " county", or "regional subdivisions".

In general, the specific characteristics and powers of subprefectures can vary significantly between countries and even within those countries. They are often characterized as part of a multi-level administrative system where the powers of smaller units of subdivision may be delegated by the authorities at the higher administrative level. The status of a subprefecture often closely corresponds to that of its adjacent administrative areas.