Vastsverige (Sweden)

Västra Götaland

Region Västra Gotaland came into being in 1999 by merging three former county councils and including parts of Göteborg's decision-making functions, mainly those concerned with healthcare. With time, the former historic county borders became an obstacle to mutual interests in fields like public transport and catchment areas for healthcare. The planning procedure for the new, considerably larger region was carried out through political action rather than a government inquiry. The region has 49 municipalities and a population of nearly 1.5 million.

Facts about Västra Götaland

Government

The 149 Regional Councillors appoint the 17 Members on the Regional Executive Board. The Executive Board prepares proposals for the Council with the assistance of a Health and Medical Care Committee, 12 local healthcare committees, provision committees to mention some. Four patients' committees report directly to the Council. Regional development, environment and culture each has a committee of 15 regional representatives working with another 12 municipally elected representatives in drafting committees thus providing a wider base for public opinion.

The administration is spread over six Regional Offices across the region in order to underline the close proximity to the citizens. Vänersborg is the regional capital where the Regional Council meets and the Regional Executive Board with its secretariat resides. The regional development unit is in Göteborg, the environmental unit in Borås, culture in Uddevalla and the Health and Medical Executive Board in Skövde with the Public Health Committee in Mariestad.

Economy

The region is in the heart of Scandinavia and is recognised as centre of Nordic transports. 50% of Sweden's exports go through the region and the automotive industry, represented by Volvo and Saab, is its most important industrial activity. The harbours of Västra Götaland handle almost 50% of all Swedish goods. 20% of the Swedish foodstuffs are produced in the region and the major part of the petrochemical industry is located here. Considerable advances in the pharmaceutical industry and in electronics have been noted in the region and half of Sweden's fishing industry is based here.

Health System

Healthcare is one of the region's major issues - as in all Swedish county councils accounting for some 90% of the region's budget, the basis of which is the region's right to levy taxes. Region Västra Götaland is responsible for the overall management of healthcare - hospitals, primary healthcare, specialised dental healthcare and free dental care for children and young people. A majority of the region's 48.000 employees are found in healthcare.

Sjuhärad Region Association of Local Authorities

The Sjuhärad district has 259 000 inhabitants and constitutes a vital part of the region of Västra Götaland. Its proximity to Göteborg and Landvetter International Airport gives the district a strategic strength. The Sjuhärad district is traditionally an enterprising area and the home of many businesses. Commerce and textile industry forms the historical foundation for the region economy. The textile trend is bolstered by the fact that a lot of well-known companies have their head offices in the district. There are many widely known companies in the engineering and electronics industries here too. Högskolan in Borås plays a significant role in the development of the local economy. As does Sveriges provnings- och Forskningsinistitut (SP). The Sjuhärad Region Association of Local Authorities consists of the municipalities of Bollebygd, Borås, Herrljunga, Mark, Svenljunga, Tranemo, Ulricehamn, and Vårgårda. The municipality of Varberg is adjointed to the association.

Useful Contacts

Camilla Winter
International co-ordinator
Executive Management Office
camilla.winter@boras.se
Boras
501 80
Sweden
Tel: +46 33 35 70 54
Fax: +46 33 32 00

Supporting Documents and Downloads

Brochure about Sjuharad [pdf] (2.32 MB)