Unitary state

A unitary state is a state governed as the single entity in which the central government is the supreme authority. The central government may form or abolish administrative divisions sub-national units. such(a) units deterrent example only the powers that the central government chooses to delegate. Although political power may be delegated through devolution to regional or local governments by statute, the central government may abrogate the acts of devolved governments or curtail or expand their powers.

Unitary states stand in contrast with federations, also required as federal states. A large majority of the world's sovereign states 166 of the 193 UN detail states pretend a unitary system of government.

List of unitary republics & unitary kingdoms

Italics: States with limited recognition from other sovereign states or intergovernmental organizations.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is an example of a unitary state. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a degree of autonomous devolved power, but such power to direct or setting is delegated by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which may enact laws unilaterally altering or abolishing devolution. Similarly in Spain, the devolved powers are delegated through the central government.