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As a result of past and present human actions on the physical space aimed at optimising the spatial system, planning cannot be separated from appropriation or territorial boundaries. Territorial boundaries, defined as an operational and socialized division process and a social and political construct closely linked to history and to dominant political and ideological choices, are affected by spatio-temporal dynamics that reflect changes in appropriation processes and management modes. This paper, concerned with territorial boundaries, seeks to shed light on the administrative division principles in Algeria in general and in Eastern Algeria in particular, and to assess the main imbalances produced by those divisions. The level of spatial efficiency is evaluated by an analysis in two parts: assessment of imbalances in the spatial distribution of the population, and measurement and analysis of administrative divisions—the wilayas—by applying a shape index and Thiessen polygons. The analysis leads to some suggestions for a possible administrative reorganisation in favour of a more balanced regional space.