An autonomous region is a designated area within a country that has a degree of self-governance and independence from the central government. These regions often have their own local governments and can make decisions on various issues, such as education, health, and transportation, while still being part of the larger nation. Autonomous regions are typically established to recognize the unique cultural, ethnic, or historical characteristics of a specific group of people. Examples include Catalonia in Spain and Tibet in China, where local populations have distinct identities and seek greater control over their affairs.