A county is a specific geographical area within a country, often serving as an administrative division. Counties can vary in size and population, and they typically have their own local government responsible for providing services such as law enforcement, education, and infrastructure maintenance. In the United States, for example, each state is divided into multiple counties. Counties often play a significant role in local governance and community identity. They may contain cities, towns, and rural areas, and they can be involved in regional planning and development. The term county is commonly used in many countries, including England, Canada, and Australia, each having its own system of counties.