1. The Republic of Cuba, politically and administratively, consists of 14 provinces, with 169 municipalities and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud. As part of its governmental structure, Cuba has municipal assemblies. These represent the highest level of state power with authority to exercise state functions at local level. The municipal assemblies elect administrative councils to guide local level economic entities, production and services to satisfy the economic, health and welfare, educational, cultural, sports and recreational needs of the region's population.