Muhafazah

A muḥāfaẓah (Arabic: محافظة‎ [muˈħæːfazˤa]; plu. محافظات muḥāfaẓāt [muħæːfaˈzˤaːt]) is a first-level administrative division of many Arab countries, and a second-level administrative division in Saudi Arabia. The term is usually translated to governorate in English, and occasionally to province. It comes from the Arabic root ḥ-f-ẓ which means to 'keep and guard'. The head of a Muḥāfaẓah is called"Muḥāfiẓ.

Origin

The word muḥāfaẓah is a 19th century translation of French préfecture.

Muhafazah's in Arab countries

• Governorates of Bahrain
• Governorates of Egypt
• Governorates of Iraq
• Governorates of Jordan
• Governorates of Kuwait
• Governorates of Libya (historic)
• Governorates of Lebanon
• Governorates of Oman
• Governorates of the Palestinian National Authority
• Governorates of Saudi Arabia (2nd level)
• Governorates of Syria
• Governorates of Yemen

The Governorates of Tunisia are wilāyah.