Due to China's large population and area, the administrative divisions of China have consisted of several levels since ancient times. The constitution of the People's Republic of China provides for three de jure levels of government. Currently, however, there are five practical (de facto) levels of local government: the province, prefecture, county, township, and village.
This table summarizes the divisions of the area administered by the People's Republic of China as of December 31, 2005.
Level | Name | Types |
---|---|---|
1 | Province level 省级行政区 |
|
2 | Prefecture level 地级行政区 |
|
3 | County level 县级行政区 |
|
4 | Township level 乡级行政区 |
|
5 | Village level (informal) 村级自治组织 |
|