In 1999, in parallel with the decentralization of the economic system, a new administrative structure was adopted. It includes 27 provinces and a metropolitan capital province (Sofia-Grad).
All areas take their names from their respective capital cities. The provinces subdivide into 264 municipalities.
Regional governors are named by the national Council of Ministers, providing for a highly centralized state.
Municipalities are run by mayors, who are elected to four-year terms, and by municipal councils, which are directly elected legislative bodies.
Subnational jurisdictions are heavily dependent on the central government for funding.
