Zou is subdivided into nine communes, each centred at one of the principal towns: Abomey, Agbangnizoun, Bohicon, Cové, Djidja, Ouinhi, Za-Kpota, Zangnanado and Zogbodomey.

[2][3] The southern regions of Benin receive two spells of rain from March to July and September to November, while the northern regions of the country receive one season of rainfall from May to September.

[4] Abomey is the departmental capital; other major settlements include Bohicon, Cové, Za-Kpota and Zagnanado.

According to Benin's 2013 census, the total population of the department was 851,580, with 407,030 males and 444,550 females.

It is subdivided into nine communes, each centered at one of the principal towns: Abomey, Agbangnizoun, Bohicon, Cové, Djidja, Ouinhi, Za-Kpota, Zangnanado and Zogbodomey.

A law passed in 1999 transformed the sous-prefectures, the lowest level of territorial administration, into local governments.

[10] Municipalities and communal councils have elected representatives who manage the administration of the regions.