A distinction is made between districts of grades A, B, C and D, with the classification being based on population, area, economy and production.

These six areas were inherited by the regions established after the reindependence in 1991, and have a six-regionsystem with the six cities where the council was located as the capital.

[6] A decree governing region and district organization on February 8, 1967 established a two-tiered region-district structure.

.. During the Ogaden War (1977–1988), the same number of refugees as the population at that time (estimated at 1.3 million) rushed to the northern region, and the governing body was paralyzed.

[15] Between 22 March and 15 May 2008, then president of Somaliland Dahir Riyale Kahin issued a press statement announcing the creation of six new regions and 16 new districts, in addition to the corresponding administrative divisions already existing as created by Somalia's central government.

On May 15, 2008, Kahin released a second statement declaring the Hawd the thirteenth region of Somaliland.

[19] Currently, Somaliland is divided in 6 regions, Awdal, Sahil, Maroodi-Jeeh, Toghdeer, Sanaag and Sool.

Article 11, section 1 of the amended Local Government Act which came into force in 2020 provides:[25][26] Xuduudaha Lixda Gobol Ee JSL ka kooban tahay waxay ku salaysan yihiin Xuduudahii ay lahaan jireen lixdii Degmo Ee Waaweynaa Ee jiray xiligii Ingiriiska ka hor 26/06/1960 Ee kala ahaa Hargeysa, Burco, Ceerigaabo, Laascaanood, Boorama iyo Berbera kuwaas oo isku beddelay Gobolladda JSL hadda ka kooban tahay.