Subdivisions of São Paulo (state)

The State of São Paulo in Brazil is administratively divided into a hierarchy of subdivisions. These subdivisions are primarily organized for statistical and administrative purposes. The main tiers are:

• Mesoregions: These are statistical divisions grouping together municipalities with similar economic and social characteristics. São Paulo is divided into 15 mesoregions. These are primarily used for statistical analysis and regional planning, rather than direct governance.

• Microregions: Within each mesoregion are further divisions called microregions. These, like mesoregions, are primarily statistical in nature and group municipalities based on shared characteristics. There are 42 microregions within the state.

• Municipalities (Municípios): The fundamental administrative unit of São Paulo is the municipality. Each municipality has its own elected government (mayor and city council) and is responsible for providing local services. São Paulo contains 645 municipalities, making it the state with the highest number of municipalities in Brazil.

The organization of the state's territory into mesoregions and microregions is managed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). While important for statistical and planning purposes, the real governance happens at the level of the municipality. The municipalities are grouped for statistical analysis; they do not form governing bodies above the municipal level other than inter-municipal consortiums, which are voluntary associations for specific purposes.