The state consists of five government regions (Regierungsbezirke), divided into 31 districts (Kreise) and 23 urban districts (kreisfreie Städte). In total, North Rhine-Westphalia has 396 municipalities (1997), including the urban districts, which are municipalities by themselves. The government regions have an assembly elected by the districts and municipalities, while the Landschaftsverband has a directly elected assembly.
the state consists of five government regions (regierungsbezirke) divided into 31 districts (kreise) and 23 urban districts (kreisfreie städte) in total north rhine-westphalia has 396 municipalities (1997) including the urban districts which are municipalities by themselves the government regions have an assembly elected by the districts and municipalities while the landschaftsverband has a directly elected assembly