A department in France is an administrative division that serves as a local government unit. Each department is part of a larger region and is responsible for various public services, including education, transportation, and social services. There are a total of 101 departments in France, each identified by a unique two-digit number. Departments are further divided into communes, which are the smallest administrative units. The capital of each department is often called the prefecture, where the local government is based. Departments play a crucial role in the organization of public administration and local governance in France.