What is a Prefecture?

A prefecture (from the Latin praefectura) is an administrative subdivision of a country or region, similar to a province in other countries. The term is used in several countries, including France, Japan, and Italy.
In France, a prefecture is the capital city of a department, which is one of the 101 administrative divisions of the country. The prefecture is responsible for the administration of the department and is headed by a prefect, who is appointed by the national government.
In Japan, a prefecture (ken) is an administrative division similar to a state or province in other countries. There are 47 prefectures in Japan, each with its own government and administration.
In Italy, a prefecture (prefettura) is the administrative headquarters of a province, which is one of the 100 administrative divisions of the country. The prefecture is responsible for the administration of the province and is headed by a prefect, who is appointed by the national government.
Overall, a prefecture is an administrative division that serves as a subnational level of government, with responsibilities for local governance and public services.