Province

A province is a subdivision of a country. It is a kind of local government.

Some countries are divided into provinces. The word "province" comes from the Latin word provincia.

Canada, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Spain, and Denmark are examples of countries that are divided into provinces.

provinces are also given other names:

• Département: France
• Canton: Switzerland
• State: United States, Mexico, Australia
• Bundesland: Germany and Austria
• Voivodship: Poland
• Estados: Venezuela
• County: United Kingdom
• Suba: Pakistan
• Pradesh = the Hindi word for states: Republic of India
• Fylke: Norway

Departements usually have less power than provinces. States, Bundesländer and autonomous communities have more power than provinces.

Small countries like Singapore are not divided.

Province should not be confused with Provence, which is a region in France.