The prefectures were the second-degree organization of local government, grouped into 13 regions or (before 1987) 10 geographical departments, and in turn divided into provinces and comprising a number of communities and municipalities.
As prefecturas eran a división administrativa de segundo grao do goberno local e estaban agrupadas en 13 periferias ou (antes de 1987) 10 departamentos xeográficos, e á súa vez divididas en provincias, municipios e comunidades.