Finland is divided into 19 regions, which constitute the country's primary administrative level in a three-tier system. Regions serve as intermediate authorities between the national government and municipalities, primarily responsible for regional development, land use planning, and until 2023, healthcare and social services coordination. Each region is governed by a regional council composed of representatives from member municipalities. The regions handle tasks such as developing regional strategic plans, managing EU structural funds, promoting economic development, and organizing certain specialized services that exceed individual municipal capacity. This administrative structure balances local autonomy with coordinated regional planning across Finland's diverse geographic and demographic landscape.