French Guiana is divided into 2 arrondissements, which serve as the primary administrative subdivisions of this French overseas department. These arrondissements function primarily as deconcentrated divisions of the French state, serving to extend the national government's administrative presence across the territory. Each arrondissement is headed by a sub-prefect who represents the state and coordinates various government services at the local level. The arrondissements handle matters related to public administration, including civil registration, state services delivery, and coordination between the central government and lower-level municipalities. This administrative structure mirrors that of metropolitan France, though adapted to the specific territorial and demographic characteristics of French Guiana.