Liechtenstein is divided into 11 communes (Gemeinden), which constitute the country's sole level of subnational administration. These communes function as municipalities with considerable autonomy, handling local matters such as primary education, water supply, road maintenance, land-use planning, and civil registration. Each commune is governed by a mayor and municipal council elected by local residents. The communes also collect local taxes and maintain their own administrative offices. Despite Liechtenstein's small size, the communes retain significant authority over day-to-day governance and public services, operating under the framework of the national constitution and laws. The commune system reflects a traditional form of local self-government that has existed in the principality for centuries.