Sub-regions (seutukunta) serve as Finland's second-level administrative divisions, positioned between municipalities and regions. The country contains 69 sub-regions that function primarily as statistical and cooperative units rather than entities with independent governance structures. These divisions facilitate regional planning, coordinate public services, and enable data collection for economic and demographic analysis. Sub-regions typically encompass a central town or city and its surrounding municipalities, creating functional economic areas where residents commonly commute for work, education, and services. While sub-regions lack their own elected bodies or taxation powers, they provide a framework for intermunicipal cooperation on matters such as land use planning, public transportation, and business development. The system helps bridge the gap between local municipal administration and broader regional governance.