länss

Länss is a term used in some Scandinavian languages, notably Swedish, to refer to a county or province. Historically, länss were administrative divisions established by the crown for the purpose of governance and taxation. The concept of länss dates back to the medieval period, evolving over centuries into the modern system of counties that exist in Sweden and Finland today.

Each länss is typically headed by a county administrative board, known as a länsstyrelse, which is appointed by the central government. These boards are responsible for a wide range of public services, including healthcare, education, public transport, and environmental protection, though the exact responsibilities can vary. The boundaries of länss have been adjusted periodically throughout history to reflect changes in population, administrative needs, and political reforms.

In contemporary Sweden, there are 21 länss. These geographical and administrative units play a crucial role in the country's decentralized governance structure, acting as a bridge between national policies and local implementation. While the term itself is rooted in historical administrative practices, it continues to be a fundamental part of Sweden's organizational framework. The concept is similar to counties in other countries, serving as distinct regions with their own administrative bodies and responsibilities.