Guadeloupe is divided into 2 arrondissements, which serve as the primary administrative subdivision of this French overseas territory. As the first of two administrative levels, arrondissements function primarily as deconcentrated state structures rather than elected jurisdictions. Each arrondissement is headed by a sub-prefect who represents the French state and coordinates various government services at the local level. These divisions facilitate the implementation of national policies, oversee civil administration, and serve as intermediaries between the central government and the communes below them. The arrondissements handle matters such as public order, state property management, and coordination of departmental services, though they possess limited autonomous decision-making authority compared to the elected municipal and departmental councils that operate alongside them.