Districts serve as the primary administrative divisions of São Tomé and Príncipe, with the country divided into seven such units. Six districts are located on São Tomé Island (Água Grande, Cantagalo, Caué, Lembá, Lobata, and Mé-Zóchi), while one district, Pagué, covers the smaller island of Príncipe. As the sole level of administrative subdivision between the national government and local communities, districts function as the main framework for implementing government policies, delivering public services, and organizing local governance. Each district is administered by officials appointed by the central government and serves as the basis for electoral organization, census data collection, and the distribution of resources and development programs throughout the island nation.