autonomous prefecture; autonomous region
Refers to a subnational administrative division with a degree of self-governance, often used for regions in China, Russia, or Spain. The exact English translation depends on the country's terminology.
In China, besides the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, there are also several autonomous prefectures.
The autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain has its own language and culture.
Compound of 自治 (self-government) and 州 (state/province). The term is a modern coinage used to translate administrative divisions in various countries.