Egypt is divided into 27 governates, which serve as the country's primary administrative divisions in a two-tiered governance structure. Each governate functions as the main unit for delivering public services, implementing national policies, and managing local administration under the authority of a governor appointed by the President. Governates handle essential functions including education, healthcare, housing, transportation infrastructure, and public utilities within their jurisdictions. They also maintain security through local police forces and oversee urban planning and development projects. The governates vary significantly in character, encompassing major urban centers like Cairo and Alexandria, agricultural regions in the Nile Delta and Valley, and frontier areas in the desert zones. This administrative framework allows the central government to coordinate national priorities while addressing the distinct needs and characteristics of different geographic regions across the country.