Timor-Leste is divided into 13 municipalities, which constitute the first level of administrative subdivision in the country's two-tier governance system. These municipalities serve as the primary units for implementing national policies and delivering public services to local populations. Each municipality is headed by an administrator appointed by the central government and is responsible for coordinating development projects, maintaining public infrastructure, overseeing local education and health facilities, and managing civil registration services. The municipalities also function as electoral districts and play a key role in connecting the national government with the sucos (villages) that form the second administrative level. While Timor-Leste maintains a relatively centralized governance structure, municipalities handle day-to-day administrative tasks and serve as the main interface between citizens and the state apparatus.