List of autonomous areas by country
This list of autonomous areas arranged by country gives an overview of autonomous areas of the world. An autonomous area is defined as an area of a country that has a degree of autonomy, or has freedom from an external authority. It is typical for it to be geographically distant from the country, or to be populated by a national minority. Countries that include autonomous areas are often federacies. The autonomous areas differ from federal units and independent states in the sense that they, in relation to the majority of other sub-national territories in the same country, enjoy a special status including some legislative powers, within the state.
This list includes areas that are internationally recognized, as well as some that are generally unrecognized. The definition of an autonomous area varies from country to country, so the native term as defined by the respective country's government is listed, and the English translation of the term is included.
Autonomous areas
Created by international agreements
Notes:- , Norway: Although it does not fit the definition of autonomous area, Svalbard has the sovereignty of Norway limited by the Spitsbergen Treaty of 1920 and therefore is considered as having special status.
- Heligoland, Germany: Although it is part of a German state, Schleswig-Holstein, it has been excluded of some European Union normatives, such as customs union and the Value Added Tax Area.
- Büsingen am Hochrhein, Germany and Campione d'Italia, Italy despite being integral parts of their respective countries, these two enclaves of Switzerland predominantly use Swiss franc as currency and are in customs union with it.
Created by internal statutes
All territories called "autonomous"
In a number of countries, all territories or regions of a particular type are called "autonomous". Depending on the case, this may or may not reflect a special devolution of powers or freedom from external authority.| Country | Native term Translation or equivalent | Instances | References |
| departamento department | Beni Pando Santa Cruz Tarija La Paz Cochabamba Chuquisaca Oruro Potosi | ||
| provincia autónoma autonomous province | Gran Chaco | ||
| municipio autónomo autonomous municipality | Huacaya Tarabuco Mojocoya Charazani Jesús de Machaca Pampas Aullagas San Pedro de Totora Chipaya Salinas de Garci Mendoza Chayanta Charagua | ||
| territorio indígena indigenous territory | All native community lands : Asamblea del Pueblo Guaraní, Central de Pueblos Nativos Guarayos, Central de Pueblos Indigenas del Beni, Central Indigena de la Region Amazonica de Bolivia, Central Indigena de Pueblos Amazonicos de Pando, Central de Pueblos Indigenas del Tropico de Cochabamba, Central de Pueblos Indigenas de La Paz, Organizacion de la Capitania Wehenayek Tapiete. | ||
| entitet entity | Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina | ||
| île autonome autonomous island | Grande Comore | ||
| autonomous communities of Spain autonomia erkidegoa comunidade autónoma autonomous community | La Rioja | ||
| autonomous cities of Spain autonomous city |