Short answers, pulled from the story.
An autonomous administrative division is a subnational territory within a sovereign state that exercises a degree of self-governance under the national government. It differs from an ordinary province or state in that it possesses unique powers suited to its particular circumstances, such as geographic distinctiveness or the presence of a national minority.
National governments create autonomous areas to increase democratic participation, improve administrative efficiency, or defuse internal conflicts. The decision is a political calculation that often reflects a negotiated settlement with a geographically or ethnically distinct population.
Azad Kashmir is a self-governing polity whose status is contested between India, Pakistan, and China. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 but its recognition remains split. Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia in 1999, recognized by Russia and three other states but not by most United Nations members. Crimea's 2014 annexation by Russia is not recognized by most countries, including Ukraine.
South Tyrol retains ninety percent of tax revenue collected within its borders while remaining a net contributor to the Italian national budget. This fiscal regime accompanies a broad range of exclusive legislative and executive powers.
Scotland and Wales were both rejected in 1979 referendums on devolution and both approved in 1997 referendums. They each now have elected devolved legislatures, though the Parliament of the United Kingdom retains sovereignty.
The Kunság within the Kingdom of Hungary held autonomous status from 1279 to 1876, making it one of the longest-running historical cases. Among the more recent examples, the Kokang Self-Administered Zone within Myanmar ran from 2010 to 2024, and the Administration of South Ossetia within Georgia operated from 2007 to 2026.