Pronunciation: [əblˈasts] (IPA) 
The word "oblasts" (/ˈɒblæsts/) is spelled with an "o" followed by "blasts". The "o" is pronounced as in "hot" and "not". The "bl" is pronounced as a blend of the sounds "b" and "l". The "a" is pronounced as in "cat" and the "s" is pronounced as a soft "s" sound. "Oblasts" is a term used in Russia and some other Slavic countries to refer to a region or administrative division.
Oblasts, also commonly known as oblasti, are administrative divisions or regions found in some countries, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The term "oblast" is derived from the Russian language, where it translates to "region." Oblasts serve as important administrative units within the political and territorial structure of some nations.
In Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet Union countries, as well as Moldova and Poland, oblasts generally constitute second-level administrative divisions, just below the national level. They are typically larger in size than other administrative units such as districts or counties and encompass a significant portion of the country's territory. Oblasts are usually governed by an appointed governor or head, representing the central government, who is responsible for overseeing the region's administration, development, and public services.
While the exact powers and responsibilities of oblasts can vary from country to country, they often include management of local infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, and culture. Oblasts may be further divided into smaller administrative units, such as districts or raions, to facilitate local governance and public services.
In summary, oblasts are administrative regions or divisions found in several countries, especially in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. They function as important administrative units that play a crucial role in regional governance, development, and service delivery.
The word "oblasts" has its origins in the Russian language. It comes from the Russian word "область" (oblast'), which means "region" or "province". The term "область" itself is derived from the Old Slavic word "облясть" (oblastĭ), meaning "area" or "territory". In the context of administrative divisions in countries like Russia and Ukraine, "oblasts" refers to the primary territorial units within these countries.
