Obec (plural: obce or obcí) is the Czech and Slovak word for a municipality (both in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and abroad). The literal meaning of the word is "commune" or "community". It is the smallest administrative unit that is governed by elected representatives. Cities are also municipalities. The council is called "obecní zastupitelstvo/obecné zastupitelstvo" or "zastupitelstvo mesta/mestské zastupitelstvo" or "zastupitelstvo mestyse", the office is called "obecní úrad/obecný úrad" or "úrad mesta/mestský úrad" or "úrad mestyse". An obec can have its own flag and coat of arms. An obec is composed of one or more cadastral areas ("katastrální území/katastrálne územia"). Obec can have several settlements or parts whether villages or hamlets.