Costa Rica - Local government

Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces, which are further subdivided into 81 cantons and 429 districts. The governor of each province is appointed by the president and is responsible to the minister of government. There are no provincial assemblies. The chief city of each canton elects a council (municipalidad), which possesses legislative powers and cooperates with a presiding officer appointed by the national executive. A police agent appointed by the national government oversees each district.