An "arrondissement" is an administrative division used in several countries, most notably in France. It serves as a sub-division of a department, which is a larger administrative area. Each arrondissement has its own local government and is responsible for various public services, such as education and transportation. In France, there are 332 arrondissements, each headed by a government official called a "préfet." The primary purpose of an arrondissement is to facilitate local governance and ensure that government services are effectively delivered to the population. Arrondissements can also be found in other countries, such as Belgium and Canada, where they serve similar administrative functions.