An autonomous region is a designated area within a country that has a degree of self-governance and independence. This means that the region can make certain decisions about its own laws, culture, and administration, while still being part of the larger nation. Autonomous regions often have their own local governments and may have specific rights to manage resources or cultural practices. These regions are typically established to recognize the unique identities of specific groups, such as ethnic minorities or indigenous peoples. Examples of autonomous regions include Catalonia in Spain and Tibet in China, where local populations have distinct languages and traditions.