länsstyrelserna

Länsstyrelserna, or the County Administrative Boards, are the Swedish government agencies that represent the central government in each of Sweden’s 21 counties. Each county has a Länsstyrelse led by a governor (landshövding). Their main task is to implement national policies, decisions, and laws at the regional level and to coordinate the work of central and local authorities.

Organization and remit: The Länsstyrelserna operate under the Government Offices (Regeringskansliet) and serve as the government’s regional presence. They employ civil servants tasked with areas such as environment and nature conservation, cultural heritage, animal welfare, civil protection and emergency preparedness, natural resources, and regional development. They act as a link between the central government and municipalities, agencies, and stakeholders, ensuring that national goals are translated into action in the counties.

Functions: In practice they perform regulatory and supervisory work delegated by national authorities, provide guidance and information to municipalities, issue certain permits and decisions within their delegated domains, manage national programs, and coordinate crisis management. They also support sustainable regional development, rural renewal, and the protection of natural and cultural assets, while promoting outdoor recreation and responsible land use.

History and scope: The modern County Administrative Boards have their origins in the 17th-century county reform under Axel Oxenstierna. Today, the Länsstyrelserna are the government’s regional arm in all counties, with mandates that adapt to changing national policies and local conditions.