Marakiz (singular: markaz) constitute the second and final level of administrative division in Egypt, with 397 such units across the country. These districts serve as the primary local government structure in rural areas, functioning below the governorate level. Each markaz administers multiple villages and their surrounding agricultural lands, providing essential government services including civil registration, local policing, agricultural extension services, and basic infrastructure maintenance. The markaz authorities handle tax collection, land records, and coordinate development projects within their jurisdiction. This administrative tier emerged from Egypt's historical need to manage its predominantly rural population and agricultural economy, creating an intermediate layer between central government and village-level administration. Marakiz typically encompass several municipal units and are headed by appointed executive officers who report to the governorate administration.