Communes constitute the second and lowest tier of administrative division in Algeria, with 1,541 communes currently established across the country. Each commune functions as the primary unit of local government, responsible for delivering essential public services to residents including civil registration, local infrastructure maintenance, urban planning, and waste management. Communes are governed by elected assemblies (Assemblées Populaires Communales) headed by a president, who oversees day-to-day administrative operations and implements decisions at the local level. These divisions serve as the direct interface between citizens and government, handling matters such as issuing permits, managing municipal property, maintaining local roads, and coordinating basic social services. The commune system reflects Algeria's decentralized approach to governance, allowing for administration tailored to local needs while maintaining alignment with directives from the 58 provinces (wilayas) that form the first administrative level.