The County of Los Angeles could easily be its own country; all it really needs is just an "r." It encompasses more than 4,000 square miles, 88 cities, two islands, and has a population of more than 10 million. The regional level of state government provides such services as law enforcement, property assessment, tax collection, public health protection, and other social services within its boundaries (sometimes sharing and often providing municipal services for unincorporated cities). The county's elected Board of Supervisors provide political direction, filling executive, legislative, and judicial roles, while the various departments manage daily operations. LA County has an annual budget of some $23 billion.