
Do counties exist in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., poses an interesting question: do counties exist within its borders? Surprisingly, the answer is no. Unlike other states, Rhode Island abolished county governments in the late 19th century. Instead, it is divided into 39 municipalities, each with its own local government. This unique arrangement offers a compact and efficient system of governance, reflective of the state’s size and population density. While lacking traditional counties, Rhode Island’s municipalities effectively serve the same administrative purpose, ensuring effective governance at the local level.