Comprehensive information and links about China Autonomous regions

Autonomous regions is a subnational entity that has a certain amount of autonomy. Typically an autonomous entity contains a national minority which is different from the national majority, or is geographically distinct.

To find a specific autonomous entity see the list of autonomous entities ordered by country.

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Another large city that is currently pressing for autonomy is Rosario, in the Santa Fe Province. Rosario has nearly 1 million inhabitants (about 1.3 million counting its suburbs and nearby towns), and is usually disfavoured in the distribution of funds and resources, which disproportionately assigns more of its share to the much less populated provincial capital. Some legislators are of the opinion that autonomy could be granted to Rosario by passing a law in the ordinary fashion, while others claim an amendment of the provincial constitution is needed.

the two island regions of Azores and Madeira became autonomous regions in 1976 with self-rule by a regional government and a regional legislative assembly. They gain their autonomy because of the great distance from the capital of the country, it is not due to ethnic distinction like in Spain.

Countries with several types of autonomous entities

Some countries have several levels of autonomous entities.

In the People's Republic of China, there are two main types of autonomous divisions in the administrative hierarchy.

The special administrative regions are former European colonies that were recently handed over to PRC rule. SAR's have a very high degree of autonomy, including independent judiciaries and courts of final appeal, immigration policies, currencies and extradition processes. Only foreign relations and defence are the responsibilities of the central government.

The ethnic autonomous entities are established following Soviet practice in regions inhabited by non-Han Chinese ethnic minorities. These are much less autonomous than SAR's. All of these autonomous entities are designated for one or more ethnic minorities.

The Republic of China (ROC), which ruled Mainland China before its retreat to Taiwan in 1949, officially regards Mongolia and Tibet as "regions". During the period of ROC rule in Mainland China, Mongolia and Tibet were in effect self-governing.

, autonomous provinces (autonomous oblast) and autonomous districts (okrugs).

See: Subdivisions of Russia.

See also: List of terms for subnational entities, List of subnational entities, Matrix of subnational entities