The Republic of the Congo is divided into 12 départements, which serve as the primary administrative divisions of the country. These départements function as the principal units for implementing national policies and delivering government services to local populations. Each département is administered by a prefect appointed by the central government, who oversees regional governance, public administration, and coordination between national and local authorities. The départements manage essential public services including education, healthcare infrastructure, tax collection, and maintenance of civil records. They also play a role in economic development planning and resource allocation within their territories. As the only subnational administrative level in the Republic of the Congo, départements represent the direct link between the central government in Brazzaville and local communities throughout the country.