tettsteder

Tettsteder is a Swedish term referring to a locality or urban area. It is defined by Statistics Sweden (Statistiska centralbyrån - SCB) as a contiguous built-up area with at least 200 inhabitants and where the distance between the closest houses is no more than 200 meters. The definition is primarily based on the built environment rather than administrative boundaries. A tettsted can span across multiple municipalities.

The concept of tettsted is used for statistical purposes, allowing for the comparison of urban areas across Sweden. It helps in understanding population distribution and the extent of urbanization. Unlike municipalities, which are administrative units, tettsteder are functional geographical areas characterized by their density and continuity of buildings. This distinction is important for urban planning and analysis.

There are thousands of tettsteder in Sweden, ranging from small villages with just over 200 residents to large cities that are composed of one or more tettsteder. The SCB regularly updates the list and boundaries of these localities. This statistical classification is crucial for demographic studies and understanding the socio-economic landscape of Sweden.