What is prefecture?

Prefecture is a political and administrative division in several different countries. It can refer to:

1. Prefecture in France: A prefecture (préfecture) is the seat of a department (département) in France, and is the headquarters of the prefect (préfet), the state representative in the department.

2. Prefecture in Greece: A prefecture (νομός, nomós) was an administrative division in Greece until the 2010 Kallikratis government reform, when they were replaced by regions (περιφέρειες, periféreies).

3. Prefecture in Japan: A prefecture (県, ken) is the highest level of local government in Japan, comparable to a province or state in other countries.

4. Prefecture in Italy: A prefecture (prefettura) is a provincial office established in certain provinces of Italy that do not have a prefect.

5. Prefecture in Turkey: A prefecture (valilik) is the seat of a province (il) in Turkey, and is the headquarters of the governor (vali), the state representative in the province.