Administrative divisions of Peru nation's capital, is located in this province.) Callao also is its own region, which contains only one province, the Constitutional Province of Callao. Administrative divisions of Peru The administrative divisions of Peru have changed from time to time, since the nation gained independence from Spain in the early 19th century. The old territorial subdivisions have split or merged due to several reasons, the most common ones being the need for decentralization, and population increase, especially in Lima. Peru was divided into 24 departments ("departamentos"; singular: "departamento") until the creation of the regions in 2002. These regions are governed by Regional
Municipalities of Peru executive power. The election of the mayor and council is held by universal suffrage for a period of three years. The number of council members is defined by the National Jury of Elections according to Laws of Municipal Elections. Municipalities of Peru Municipalities, in Peru, are the government organizations that govern the provinces and districts of that country. According to the Base law of Municipalities, these entities are classified in to Provincial Municipalities and District Municipalities. The provincial municipalities also have functions pertaining to the provincial seat which is the capital district. Rural municipalities (those whose seat has an urban