1. A political subdivision of a country that has a degree of self-governance and independence in managing its own affairs while remaining part of a larger federation or union
Spain is divided into autonomous communities and autonomous cities, similar to autonomous states.
A Espanha é dividida em comunidades autônomas e cidades autônomas, semelhante aos estados autônomos.
2. A region or territory with constitutional autonomy to enact its own laws and administer its own government within a federal system
Each autonomous state has the power to legislate on matters of regional interest.
Cada estado autônomo tem o poder de legislar sobre assuntos de interesse regional.