The Faroe Islands are divided into 29 municipalities, which constitute the sole level of local government administration below the national level. These municipalities hold responsibility for essential public services including primary education, social welfare, local infrastructure maintenance, water supply, waste management, and urban planning within their respective territories. Each municipality operates with its own elected council and mayor, exercising considerable autonomy in local affairs while coordinating with the Faroese national government on broader policy matters. The municipal structure reflects the archipelago's geography and settlement patterns, with boundaries often corresponding to traditional communities and valleys. Municipalities vary significantly in population size, ranging from small rural communities to larger urban centers like Tórshavn, yet all maintain similar administrative functions and legal authority under Faroese law.