Montenegro's 24 municipalities constitute the country's sole level of local government administration, functioning as the primary administrative subdivisions below the national government. These municipalities exercise authority over local matters including urban planning, utilities, primary education, healthcare facilities, local roads, and cultural services. Each municipality operates through an elected assembly and mayor, who manage budgets derived from both local revenues and national transfers. The municipalities vary significantly in population and area, ranging from small rural communities to larger urban centers like Podgorica, the capital. This single-tier system places substantial responsibility on municipal governments to deliver public services directly to citizens without intermediate administrative layers.