Political+Characteristics

Paris is divided into 20 districts, each of which has a local council and a mayor, but most of the power is held by the mayor of the City of Paris who is chosen by the city's council. Paris and its suburbs together make up the eight departments of the Île-de-France administrative region.

Mayor Bertrand Delanoe has done a fantastic job directing The city of Paris to a better lifestyle. Since his election in 2001, his goals have been to improve the quality of life in Paris, reduce pollution, and cut down vehicle traffic. Mayor Delanoe has introduced a new program called Valib in French, allowing citizens access to inexpensive bicycle rentals available at stations all around. Mayor Bertrand has continued to push Paris to the next level, despite death threats and assassination attempts.