Arrondissements constitute the third administrative level in France's five-tier territorial organization, with 320 such divisions currently in existence. These subdivisions of departments serve primarily as decentralized units of the French state rather than elected local governments. Each arrondissement is administered by a subprefect (sous-préfet) appointed by the national government, who represents state interests and coordinates certain public services within their jurisdiction. While arrondissements have limited autonomous powers compared to communes or departments, they facilitate administrative functions such as issuing passports, managing some aspects of civil registration, and providing a local point of contact for national government services. The system dates back to Napoleon's reforms in 1800 and remains relevant for organizing state administration across French territory, though their practical importance has diminished over time as other administrative levels have gained prominence