Concelho

Concelho (Portuguese pronunciation: [kõˈseʎu]) is the Portuguese-language term for municipality, referring to the territorial subdivision in local government.

This differentiation is still in use in Portugal and some of its former overseas provinces, but is no longer in use in Brazil following the abolition of these organs, in favour of the French prefecture system.

Founded in the royal charters attributed to parcels and territorial enclaves, in order to establish a presence by the Crown, rather than personal fiefdoms of the nobility and aristocracy.

Owing to population, the municipal chamber can comprise a number of alderman (normally between 5 and 17) elected by lists, using direct, universal suffragan vote, based with or without political parties.

Though a unitary state, the Portuguese model governance has undergone periods of centralized and decentralized tendencies:

Map of the municipalities of Portugal showing the 20 with the highest number of inhabitants (darker shade) and the 20 with the lowest (lighter shade)