Cantons serve as Ecuador's second-level administrative divisions, functioning as the primary unit of local government below the provincial level. The country contains 221 cantons, each governed by a municipal council and mayor responsible for urban planning, local infrastructure, public services, and tax collection within their jurisdictions. These divisions typically encompass a main city or town along with surrounding rural areas, making them comparable to counties or municipalities in other countries. Cantons handle essential local matters including water supply, waste management, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and the regulation of local commerce. They possess significant autonomy in managing their budgets and implementing development projects, serving as the main point of contact between citizens and government for most day-to-day administrative needs.