daira

Daira is a term used in different languages and contexts. In Arabic, daïra or daira means circle or circuit, and in administrative usage the term denotes a district. The French-influenced transliteration daïra is common in North Africa, especially in Algeria.

In Algeria, a daïra is an administrative district within a wilaya (province). It lies between the wilaya and the commune (municipality) and typically has a seat in the main town. A daïra comprises several communes and serves as a level of local governance and coordination for planning, statistics, and public services. The boundaries and number of daïras are defined by national and provincial authorities and may change with reforms.

In other contexts, daira appears in place names and in linguistic discussions of the Arabic term circle. It is also used as a personal name in some cultures. The word’s usage reflects its origins in Arabic, and the exact meaning can vary with country and administrative tradition.