Kommun

Kommun is a Swedish word that translates to "municipality" in English. It refers to the basic administrative division of local government in Sweden. Each kommun is responsible for providing a wide range of public services to its residents. These services typically include education, social welfare, healthcare (though much of this is now organized at the regional level), elderly care, child care, environmental protection, urban planning, and cultural activities.

The responsibilities and funding of Swedish kommuner are determined by national legislation. They are governed by elected councils, which set local policies and budgets. Citizens vote for representatives on these kommun councils during general elections. The size and population of kommuner vary significantly across Sweden, from large urban centers to smaller, more rural areas. Each kommun has its own administrative organization, headed by a kommunstyrelse (municipal executive committee) and a kommunchef (municipal director). The system aims to provide decentralized governance and ensure that local needs are met effectively.