sveitarfélagi

Sveitarfélag is the Icelandic term for a municipality. These are the basic administrative divisions of Iceland, responsible for local governance and the provision of public services within their defined boundaries. Iceland is divided into a number of these municipalities, which vary significantly in size and population.

The primary functions of a sveitarfélag include managing local infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and sewage systems. They are also responsible for schools, kindergartens, and social services, including elder care and child protection. Planning and zoning regulations, as well as waste management, fall under their purview.

Each sveitarfélag is governed by a directly elected council, known as the sveitarstjórn, which sets local policies and approves budgets. The council typically elects a mayor (bæjarstjóri or sveitarstjóri) to oversee day-to-day operations. Historically, the number of municipalities in Iceland has undergone several mergers, aiming to create more efficient and robust local government structures. The specific powers and responsibilities of a sveitarfélag are defined by national legislation.