länsstyrelse

Länsstyrelse, or County Administrative Board, is the government authority that represents the national government in each of Sweden’s counties. Each of the 21 counties has a Länsstyrelse led by a governor (landshövding) who is appointed by the government. The governor acts as the state’s senior representative in the county and leads the agency with a staff of civil servants.

The Länsstyrelse’s mandate is to implement national policy at the county level, coordinate public administration with municipalities, and ensure that laws and government directives are followed. It works to promote sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural heritage, and social welfare in the region, and to prepare for and respond to emergencies and crises. The agency serves as a bridge between the central government and local authorities, helping to translate national priorities into regional action.

Main areas of responsibility include environmental management and nature conservation; water resources and flood protection; land-use planning and, in some cases, permitting related to the environment; agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and animal welfare; regional development, tourism, culture, and archives; and the administration of certain state subsidies and official decisions within its remit. While municipalities are responsible for local services and planning, the Länsstyrelse monitors compliance and supports municipalities in implementing national legislation.

Organisation and leadership vary by county but generally consist of departments aligned with policy areas and a central leadership under the governor. The Länsstyrelse has historical roots in 17th-century centralized governance and continues to play a key role in coordinating state administration at the regional level.