Sweden

Abstract

Sweden has a two-tier structure of territorial administration. Municipal governments have their roots in a mediaeval parish structure, although non-ecclesial local government was not established until 1862. The county level originates from the seventeenth century. The municipalities have been subject to two amalgamation reforms, aiming at strengthening their ability to carry out welfare functions, which reduced the numbers from 2400 to 290. They have a broad range of welfare tasks but also responsibility for local infrastructure, fire protection and planning. The county level has been more stable, although some amalgamations were carried out in the end of the 1990s, forming the Västra Götaland and the Skåne counties. At the county level, there are both a regional unit of the central government controlling the implementation of national policies and a self-governing unit of local government, originally called county councils. These are mainly responsible for healthcare but have gradually taken on responsibilities for regional development and are now labelled regions. From traditionally having a strong central level and significant municipalities, reforms during recent decades have increased the powers of the regional level of self-government.