glesbygden

Glesbygden is a Swedish term used to refer to sparsely populated rural areas, typically located far from major cities and municipal centers. In policy discussions it denotes regions with low population density, limited access to services, and economic reliance on natural resources such as agriculture, forestry, or mining.

Geographically, glesbygden covers large parts of Sweden, especially the northern Norrland and many inland areas in Svealand and Götaland. Population density is low, and many municipalities experience aging populations and outward migration of younger residents, which poses challenges for schools, healthcare, and public transport.

Economic activity in glesbygden is diverse but often centered on resource-based industries, such as forestry, agriculture, and energy production, complemented by tourism and small-scale manufacturing. In recent decades, there has been growth in services linked to nature tourism, craftsmanship, and renewable energy.

Policy approaches aim to support regional development, maintain services, and improve accessibility. National and municipal strategies often include investments in infrastructure, broadband, healthcare and education provision, and support for entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism. EU rural development funds are sometimes used to strengthen resilience and maintain population in these areas.

The concept of glesbygden remains central to regional planning in Sweden, reflecting ongoing debates about balancing urban growth with the needs and sustainability of peripheral regions, and the opportunities arising from digitalization and nature-based economies.