Formation of administrative regions in Lithuania started in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the Middle Ages, with the bulk of the territory of the current Šiauliai County forming part of the Duchy of Samogitia, itself divided into tracts.

In October 1795, Catherine II of Russia granted Šiauliai the city rights and the privilege to become the capital town of the region.

Administrative division of Russian Empire remained unchanged up to the end of World War I.

On December 17, 1918, a circular No.1 was issued "On Municipalities in Lithuania" that declared that the entire area of Lithuania would be divided into the regions - apskritys (county sometimes translated into English as a provinces or counties).

The entire area of Lithuania is currently divided into ten larger units - apskritys and smaller districts, consisting of urban and rural elderships.