The Netherlands has a unique administrative structure that includes special municipalities, known as "bijzondere gemeenten." These municipalities are distinct from regular municipalities and often have specific governance arrangements due to their unique circumstances, such as being part of a larger territory or having a special status. There are currently three special municipalities in the Caribbean Netherlands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. These islands are directly governed by the national government of the Netherlands, which means they do not have the same level of autonomy as regular municipalities in the European part of the country.