länsindelningen

Länsindelningen refers to the administrative division of Sweden into counties, known as län. This system of governance has a long history, evolving over centuries to its current form. Each län is administered by a county administrative board, Länsstyrelse, appointed by the national government, and a county council, Landsting, elected by the residents of the county.

The primary purpose of the länsindelning is to decentralize administrative functions and provide regional governance. The county administrative boards are responsible for a wide range of public services, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and environmental protection, often in cooperation with municipalities. They also act as a link between the national government and local authorities. The county councils, on the other hand, are responsible for a significant portion of public services, particularly healthcare, and have their own elected bodies that make decisions regarding these services within their respective counties.

The current länsindelning was largely established in the 17th century, with subsequent minor adjustments. While the administrative structure remains largely consistent, the specific responsibilities and the degree of autonomy of the county councils have evolved over time. The länsindelning plays a crucial role in the functioning of Swedish society, ensuring regional representation and the delivery of essential public services across the country.