Historical subdivisions Between 1946 and 2004, the state's districts and independent towns were grouped into eight regions, with a different status for two regions (Verwaltungsbezirke), comprising the formerly free states of Brunswick and Oldenburg. In 1978 these regions were merged into four governorates (Regierungsbezirke). In 2005 the Bezirksregierungen (regional governments) were again split into separate bodies.
hIsToriCal subdIvisioNS bEtwEen 1946 and 2004, ThE State's districTs anD independENT TowNs wEre gRoupeD Into eight regions, with a dIfFeREnt STAtus fOr tWO ReGioNs (verwAltungsbeziRkE), CoMpRisinG the foRmerlY free StaTES of BRuNsWick anD oLdenburg. iN 1978 tHese reGiOns weRe mErGed INTo Four gOvernOrates (RegIeRungsbezirke). In 2005 the bezIrksregierunGen (Regional GOveRNmEnts) weRE Again split iNTO SepaRAtE boDieS.