Italy is divided into 20 regions (regione) and each region is divided into smaller provinces (provinci). Each province is further split into communes (comuni).

The 20 regions are loosely formed from historical borders and are each individual in their character and customs. There are 96 provinces that manage the local government.

The levels of government deal with different issues, for example:

• Regional government deals with health care, education and general law abidance
• Provincial government is responsible for vehicle registration and licencing, policing and local economy
• The commune deals with local issues such as of building permits, refuse collection and street lighting, the registry of births and deaths, and contracting for local roads and public works

Questura

The Questura is the main police office where foreigners arriving in Italy must register.

• To find a Questura click the link and select the required province: Click here 

Lombardy Regional Government

Regional government is the most important and influential after the national government based in Rome. Each region has an elected council - the executive committee (Giunta Regionale) - and an elected president.

The regional governments are responsible for de-centralising state legislation on major issues to ensure that resources and standards are equal across the region. The regional government has the jurisdiction to set laws within the state constitution.

• Regione Lombardia
  At: Via Fabio Filzi 22, 20124 Milan
  Tel: 840 000 001 (General call centre)
  Tel:  02 67 651 (Central line to Regione Lombardia)
  Website

The Public Relations Office (Ufficio Relazioni con il Pubblico, URP) ensures the administrative and legislative workings of the government are transparent to the public. Representatives answer questions and inform the public about governmental services. URP offices are also found in Provincial government organisations.

• Ufficio Relazioni con il Pubblico
  Tel: 02 674 82776 / 777 / 778
  Fax: 02 674 82779
  Open: Monday to Friday 09:30-12:30
  e-mail
  Website (in Italian)

Lombardy Provincial Governments

Lombardy Communal Representation

Each commune (comune) is responsible for the local issues affecting the towns and surrounding villages. Communes (comuni) could be described as municipal districts.

A commune is usually made up of:

• a principal town, the capoluogo, which almost always gives its name to the comune (often the Town Hall is referred to as the "comune").
• a territorial subdivision called a frazione (abbreviated Fraz.)
• a very small area called a località (abbreviated Loc.)

Some Terminology

Further Information

• For links to regional and provincial government websites: Click here
• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation page: Voting in Italian Elections

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