Uruguay is divided into 19 departments, which constitute the country's primary and only subnational administrative level. These departments function as the principal unit of territorial organization, each governed by an intendente (mayor) and a departmental board elected through direct popular vote. Departments hold significant administrative autonomy and are responsible for managing local infrastructure, public services, urban planning, and regional development within their jurisdictions. They collect local taxes, maintain roads and public spaces, oversee municipal police forces, and coordinate healthcare and education services in conjunction with national authorities. This administrative structure reflects Uruguay's unitary but decentralized system of government, where departments serve as the essential link between national policy implementation and local governance needs.