länsstyrelsernas

Länsstyrelsernas (the County Administrative Boards) are the government authorities that represent the national government in Sweden’s counties. The network consists of 21 Länsstyrelser, serving as the government’s regional presence and responsible for implementing national policy at the county level. Each county is headed by a governor (landshövding), who acts as the government’s representative, with the Länsstyrelsen carrying out the governor’s directives through its various units.

The boards coordinate with municipalities and national agencies to ensure compliance with laws and policies across the region. Their responsibilities include environmental protection and nature conservation, management of nature reserves and protected areas, and aspects of land-use planning and building regulation. They administer state programs and grants aimed at regional development, support rural and business development, and oversee areas such as agriculture, fishing, and animal welfare. They also handle cultural heritage protection and oversee civil protection and emergency preparedness in collaboration with relevant agencies.

The Länsstyrelsernas are part of the central government’s administrative framework rather than the municipal self-government structure. They act as the government’s instrument for regional governance, decision-making, and oversight, and they work to align national objectives with regional conditions. The system has historical roots dating back to the 17th century reform under Axel Oxenstierna and remains Sweden’s principal mechanism for coordinating state administration across the country.