The Special Municipalities of the Netherlands are unique administrative regions that fall under the direct authority of the national government rather than a provincial government. These municipalities include Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, which are located in the Caribbean Sea. They were established following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010. These special municipalities have a distinct status, allowing them to maintain local governance while being subject to Dutch law. They receive support from the Dutch government for various services, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring that residents have access to essential resources.