Benin is divided into 12 departements, which constitute the highest tier of subnational administration in the country's two-level system. These departements serve as the primary units for implementing national policies and coordinating public services across their territories. Each departement is overseen by a prefect appointed by the central government, who acts as the state's representative and ensures coordination between national directives and local implementation. Departements handle significant administrative functions including civil registration, tax collection, public security coordination, and the delivery of essential government services. They also serve as electoral constituencies and statistical units for national planning purposes. Below the departement level, the country is further subdivided into communes, which handle more localized governance matters.