|
China is currently under a three-tiered administrative
system - province, county (city) and township. Firstly, the entire country
is divided into provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and special
administrative regions. Secondly, a province (or autonomous region) is
divided into prefectures (autonomous prefectures), counties (autonomous
counties), and cities. Thirdly, a county (autonomous county included) is
divided into townships (ethnic autonomous townships, where necessary) and
towns. Ethnic autonomy is practiced in autonomous regions, prefectures and
counties where ethnic people live in compact communities.
Directly under the central government are 23 provinces, 5 autonomous
regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 special administrative regions.
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and the nation's
political, economic and cultural center. |
