County vs. Province: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 27, 2023
A county is a local governmental division in the US and the UK, while a province is a primary administrative division in countries like Canada and China.
Key Differences
A county and a province are both administrative regions, but their prominence in governmental hierarchy differs. While a county is a secondary division found primarily in countries like the US and the UK, a province often represents a primary or major subdivision in several other nations.
The role of a county in administration is typically more localized. In places like the US, counties might have their own sheriff departments or courts, handling matters pertinent to their borders. On the other hand, a province usually has a broader spectrum of powers, often equivalent to what a state might have in the US.
Geographically, the size of a county and a province can differ vastly. Provinces are usually much larger and can even consist of various counties or similar smaller divisions within them. For instance, Canadian provinces encompass vast territories, whereas counties in the UK cover smaller regions.
Historically, the concept of a county traces back to medieval Europe, especially in the British Isles, signifying territories ruled by counts or earls. Provinces have Roman origins, signifying territories outside the Italian peninsula, and have since been used by various empires and countries to indicate major territorial divisions.
In terms of governance, a county might be overseen by a council or a board of supervisors, whereas provinces typically have provincial governments headed by premiers or governors, possessing legislative powers on matters not exclusively under national jurisdiction.
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Comparison Chart
Level
Secondary division
Primary division
Geographic Size
Generally smaller
Typically larger
Historical Origin
Medieval Europe (count or earl territories)
Roman (territories outside the Italian peninsula)
Governance
County council or board of supervisors
Provincial government (premiers or governors)
Examples
Los Angeles County, West Yorkshire
Ontario (Canada), Guangdong (China)
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County and Province Definitions
County
A region with its own local government.
The county board will decide on the new regulations.
Province
An area under the jurisdiction of an archbishop.
The ecclesiastical province encompassed multiple dioceses.
County
A district used for judicial and administrative purposes.
The county court handles various local disputes.
Province
A territorial area of colonial or imperial significance.
The province was under Spanish rule for several centuries.
County
A political and administrative division within a state or country.
Cook County is one of the most populous counties in the US.
Province
A large geographical area with distinct characteristics.
The province is known for its rich natural resources.
County
A territory governed by a count or earl.
The county was once ruled by an influential earl.
Province
A region with its own governing body within a country.
The province enacted laws distinct from the national statutes.
County
The largest administrative division of most states in the United States.
Province
A territory governed as an administrative or political unit of a country or empire.
County
A territorial division exercising administrative, judicial, and political functions in Great Britain and Ireland.
Province
(Ecclesiastical) A division of territory under the jurisdiction of a metropolitan.
County
The territory under the jurisdiction of a count or earl.
Province
Provinces Areas of a country situated away from the capital or population center.
County
The people living in a county.
Province
An area of knowledge, activity, or interest
A topic falling within the province of ancient history.
County
An administrative region of various countries, including Bhutan, Canada, China, Croatia, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and 48 of the 50 United States (excluding Alaska and Louisiana).
Province
The range of one's proper duties and functions; scope.
County
A definitive geographic region, without direct administrative functions.
Traditional county
Province
(Ecology) An area of land, less extensive than a region, having a characteristic plant and animal population.
County
A jail operated by a county government.
He can't come; he's up in the county for agg assault.
Province
Any of various lands outside Italy conquered by the Romans and administered by them as self-contained units.
County
(historical) The land ruled by a count or a countess.
Province
A region of the earth or of a continent; a district or country.
County
Characteristic of a ‘county family’; representative of the gentry or aristocracy of a county.
Province
An administrative subdivision of certain countries, including Canada and China.
County
An earldom; the domain of a count or earl.
Province
(Roman history) An area outside Italy which is administered by a Roman governor.
County
A circuit or particular portion of a state or kingdom, separated from the rest of the territory, for certain purposes in the administration of justice and public affairs; - called also a shire. See Shire.
Every county, every town, every family, was in agitation.
Province
(Christianity) An area under the jurisdiction of an archbishop, typically comprising a number of adjacent dioceses.
County
A count; an earl or lord.
Province
(Roman Catholicism) An area under the jurisdiction of a provincial within a monastic order.
County
A region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government;
The county has a population of 12,345 people
Province
The parts of a country outside its capital city.
County
The largest administrative district within a state;
The county plans to build a new road
Province
An area of activity, responsibility or knowledge; the proper concern of a particular person or concept.
County
A geographic area denoting specific boundaries within a state.
The county fair attracts visitors from all over the state.
Province
A country or region, more or less remote from the city of Rome, brought under the Roman government; a conquered country beyond the limits of Italy.
Province
A country or region dependent on a distant authority; a portion of an empire or state, esp. one remote from the capital.
Province
A region of country; a tract; a district.
Over many a tractof heaven they marched, and many a province wide.
Other provinces of the intellectual world.
Province
A region under the supervision or direction of any special person; the district or division of a country, especially an ecclesiastical division, over which one has jurisdiction; as, the province of Canterbury, or that in which the archbishop of Canterbury exercises ecclesiastical authority.
Province
The proper or appropriate business or duty of a person or body; office; charge; jurisdiction; sphere.
The woman'sprovince is to be careful in her economy, and chaste in her affection.
Province
Specif.: Any political division of the Dominion of Canada, having a governor, a local legislature, and representation in the Dominion parliament. Hence, colloquially, The Provinces, the Dominion of Canada.
Province
The territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation;
His state is in the deep south
Province
The proper sphere or extent of your activities;
It was his province to take care of himself
Province
A primary administrative division in certain countries.
Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking province in Canada.
FAQs
How does a province differ from a state?
In some countries, a province is similar to a state, acting as a primary territorial division with its own government.
Are counties exclusive to the US and UK?
No, while prevalent in the US and UK, other countries also have counties or equivalent divisions.
Which countries primarily use the term "province"?
Countries like Canada, China, and Italy use "province" as a major territorial division.
Why is the term "province" used in ecclesiastical contexts?
Historically, an ecclesiastical province referred to a grouping of dioceses under an archbishop.
What's a county's primary function?
A county handles local administrative, judicial, and law enforcement tasks.
Are all counties governed in the same way?
No, governance can vary based on local laws and traditions.
Is there a difference in governance between a county and a province?
Yes, provinces often have broader legislative powers, while counties focus on local administration.
How did the concept of a county originate?
The concept traces back to medieval Europe, signifying territories ruled by counts or earls.
How is the size of a county determined?
Counties are formed based on historical, geographical, and administrative factors.
Do provinces have their own capitals?
Yes, provinces usually have a capital city that serves as the administrative center.
Can a province contain multiple counties?
In certain contexts, yes. Provinces can encompass various smaller divisions, which might be called counties.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
