Madagascar's 22 regions serve as the primary administrative divisions of the country, functioning as the first level in a two-tier subnational governance structure. These regions handle essential governmental functions including regional development planning, infrastructure coordination, public health services, and educational administration. Each region operates under the authority of a regional council and chief administrator who work to implement national policies while addressing local needs. The regions act as intermediaries between the central government in Antananarivo and the lower-level districts, facilitating the delivery of public services and managing regional budgets. This administrative framework was established to decentralize governance and improve service delivery across Madagascar's diverse geographic territories, from coastal areas to highland zones.