These regions, called Comunidades Autonomas (Autonomous Communities) in Spanish, are shown on the map to the right. Each have their own elected governing bodies and are the first level in subdivision of areas. They have varying degrees of independence from parliament in Madrid, with the Basques and Catalans enjoying the most autonomy. Each Comunidad is responsible for certain services, including promotion of tourism, once carried out by central government, and planning permission, once carried out at municipality level.

In addition to the Comunidades Autnomas there are two Ciudades Autonomas (Autonomous Cities), Ceuta and Melilla in north Africa.

Before the Comunidades Autonomas were introduced Provinces had greater powers. They are still used as electoral districts, in postal addresses, phone codes, and for geographical reference.

Spain´s Provinces are the second level subdivision of areas, between the first level Autonomous Communities such as Andalucia and the third level Comarcas (Departments) such as Axarquia. The fourth level divisions are the Municipalities, the smallest administrative divisions, which can consist of a city or town plus outlying hamlets, or a group of villages.