15 Countries That Have States in 2024

Source：AZ Animals Time：January 20, 2024

In the beginning, when nations are built or rebuilt, there are a select few that decide the constitution of said nation, among other things. These founding fathers also established administrative divisions for their country. The countries around the world all have different administrative divisions. Some countries have provinces like Canada, some countries have autonomous communities like Spain, and others have states just like the United States. Let’s take a look at the 15 countries that have states.

Australia

15 Countries That Have States in 2024 — Besides its six states, Australia also has 10 federal territories and seven external territories.
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Australia has a total of six federated states. They include New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The country also has 10 federal territories. out of the six states, New South Wales has the largest population with 8.1 million people and Tasmania has the smallest population with 541,000 people. In terms of area, the smallest state is Tasmania and the largest state is Western Australia.

Austria

The Federal Republic of Austria has a total of nine states. They consist of Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Vienna, Salzburg, Styria, Burgenland, Carinthia, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg. The federal states have an elected legislature, as well as a federal state parliament and a federal state government. Elections in each state are held every five years, however every six years in upper Austria. Vienna is the most populated state, which also has duality as a city.

Brazil

Brazil has a total of 26 states and one federal district. The largest state in terms of population is Sao Paulo with 46.3 million people and the smallest state is Roraima with 708,000 people. States have some kind of degree of autonomy, which is spelled out in the constitution of Brazil, as well as in each state government. The federal district has the same powers as each state but is not divided into various municipalities.

Germany

Germany consists of 16 states, where three of them are city-states — Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen. The most populated state with 17.9 million people is North Rhine-Westphalia, whose capital is Dusseldorf. North Rhine-Westphalia was established in 1949 after World War II. The least populated state is the city-state of Bremen whose population is 663,000 people. Five states were part of East Germany that were established after the reunification of Germany in 1990.

India

There are a total of 28 States and eight union territories in India. The most populated state is Uttar Pradesh with 199.8 million people, whereas the least populated state is Sikkim with 610,000. When India was part of the British Empire many states were eventually dissolved and formed into new states in 1947. There was a reorganization in 1951 that created new states as well. The idea of new states continued into the year 2000.

Malaysia

Out of the 13 federal states that comprise Malaysia, nine of them are monarchies. The reason why they are monarchies is because they were former Malay kingdoms. They are now known as Malay States with a hereditary ruler. The most populated state is Selangor with 6.5 million people and the least populated state is Perlis with 255,000 people.

Mexico

The country of Mexico comprises 31 states as well as a federal entity, which is Mexico City. Of the 32 Federal entities the most populated one is Mexico with 17.1 million people and the least populated state is Baja California Sur. Each state has autonomous decisions in various matters, however the federal government takes precedence in other matters. Each state is divided into municipalities, whereas Mexico City is divided into boroughs.

Micronesia

Officially called the Federated States of Micronesia, the island nation comprises four states. Each state is then divided into cities, as well as municipalities. The four states of Micronesia are Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. The most populated state is Pohnpei, whose capital is Kolonia and its population is 54,000. Furthermore, the least populated state is Kosrae with only 7,000 people.

Myanmar

The country of Myanmar is divided into various entities — including seven regions, seven states, five self-administered zones, one union territory, and one self-administered division. These divisions were organized in the Constitution that was passed in 2008. The chief minister is in charge of the state government or Regional government. the president of Myanmar appoints the chief minister. There is also a state legislature for each region or state. Underneath each state or region are districts and townships.

Nigeria

Nigeria has 36 states and the most populous one is Lagos State. Lagos State has a population of 9.4 million people. Moreover, the least populous state is Bayelsa State with 1.7 million people. Each state is semi-autonomous with certain powers delegated to them and others to the federal government. There is also a Federal Capital Territory where Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, is located. Underneath each state are local governments, of which there are a total of 774.

Palau

The island country of Palau has 16 regions that Palauans identify as states. Although there are 20,000 people in the country, the populations of each state vary. Some of them can be as low as 25 people (Hatohobei), whereas the most populous state, Koror, has 11,444 people. Each state has a tribal chiefdom and a state legislature. Each state is further divided into hamlets.

Somalia

Somalia is a republic that consists of six states. Each state has several autonomous matters and some matters are only up to the federal government. Each state is furthermore divided into 18 administrative regions. Those regions are further divided into districts. Somalia’s six states are Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubaland, Puntland, South West, and Somaliland. The two newest states, South West and Hirshabelle, formed in November 2014 and October 2016, respectively.

South Sudan

South Sudan is a country that has 10 states, two administrative areas, and one area that has special administrative status. After the South Sudanese Civil War ended in February 2020, the peace agreement outlined the states and boundaries each would have. The ten states of South Sudan include Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile.

United States

The United States started with 13 states, which were the original colonies that Great Britain owned. Over time, as the United States started to expand its territory, it eventually ended up with 50 states. Each of the 50 states is responsible for certain matters, however, others are up to the Federal government. Each state government elects a governor, has a court system, and a legislative branch. The most populous state is California and the least populous state is Wyoming.

Venezuela

Venezuela is made up of 23 states, which are called estados in Spanish. The country also has several federal dependencies and one disputed territory. Guayana Esequiba is both claimed by Guyana and Venezuela, but only controlled by Guyana. Each state is also subdivided into regions.