China is divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities, and two Special Administrative Regions. Each province has its own local government and is responsible for various administrative functions. The provinces vary in size, population, and economic development, with Guangdong being the most populous and Tibet being one of the largest in area. The five autonomous regions, including Xinjiang and Ningxia, are designed to provide a degree of self-governance to ethnic minorities. The four direct-controlled municipalities are Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Chongqing, which operate at the same level as provinces. The two Special Administrative Regions are Hong Kong and Macau, each with its own legal and economic systems.