Yemen is divided into 22 governates, which serve as the country's first-level administrative divisions in a two-tier system. Each governate functions as a regional authority responsible for implementing national policies, delivering public services, and managing local governance within its territory. Governates typically oversee essential functions including education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and law enforcement coordination. They are headed by governors who are appointed by the central government and work alongside local councils. The governates vary significantly in size, population, and resources, ranging from densely populated areas like the capital governate of Amanat al-Asimah to more rural and sparsely inhabited regions. Below the governate level, Yemen's administrative structure includes districts, which constitute the second and final tier of formal territorial organization.