# Municipalities of El Salvador

The municipalities of El Salvador (Spanish: municipios) are the second-level administrative divisions within the Republic of El Salvador. These municipalities divide the country's departments and serve as the fundamental administrative units of local government.
Historically, El Salvador was divided into 262 municipalities, each with a local municipal council responsible for governance and community services. However, on 1 June 2023, President Nayib Bukele announced a proposal to reduce the number of municipalities to streamline administrative efficiency and reduce bureaucratic overhead. Bukele argued that the reduction would enable more effective public service delivery by consolidating local governments and resources.
The Legislative Assembly approved the proposal on 13 June 2023, reducing the number of municipalities from 262 to 44, a change that went into effect on 1 May 2024. This significant restructuring aimed to modernize local governance, with proponents claiming it would allow for better distribution of resources and improved access to public services across the nation. Opponents, however, raised concerns that it could diminish local representation and reduce citizen engagement with government.
The municipalities are governed under the Municipal Code, which was enacted on January 31, 1986. The code establishes each municipio as the primary unit of political administration in El Salvador, with a defined territory and political autonomy. According to this code, municipalities are responsible for various local government functions, including infrastructure maintenance, public health services, local education, and promoting community development. Each municipality operates with a municipal council, which is elected by the residents and functions as the local legislative body. The head of the council, typically a mayor, oversees the executive functions within the municipality.

## Historical Context

The concept of municipalities in El Salvador dates back to colonial times, with administrative divisions that evolved over centuries. Municipalities originally developed as autonomous entities meant to address the unique needs of their respective communities. The establishment of 262 municipalities provided residents with local governance; however, over time, critics argued that the large number of municipalities contributed to inefficiencies and financial burdens on the government.
The decision to reduce the number of municipalities to 44 is part of broader governmental reforms initiated under Bukele's administration, which aims to centralize certain aspects of governance to enhance efficiency. Proponents of the reform anticipate it will bring more centralized resources to each municipality, though it remains to be seen how the changes will impact local identities and community participation.

## Administrative Structure and Responsibilities

The reduced number of municipalities continues to follow the administrative structure laid out in the Municipal Code. Each municipality is governed by a municipal council (Concejo Municipal), responsible for local legislative decisions, budget allocation, and implementation of public policies. These councils are intended to ensure that community needs are met and that local governance remains responsive to the population.
The municipalities, despite the reduction in their number, retain political autonomy within the state's organizational structure, enabling them to address issues specific to their jurisdictions. The restructured municipalities may lead to expanded geographical areas for each municipal council, potentially increasing the scope of local governance and the level of resources required for public services.