Dalarna County: A Deep Dive into Central Sweden's Cultural Heart
Located in the heart of Svealand, the central region of Sweden, Dalarna County (Swedish: Dalarnas län) is a landlocked territory defined by its vast wilderness and deep historical roots. Often referred to as "the valleys," the county encompasses nearly the entire cultural and historical province of Dalarna. With a land area of approximately 28,188.8 km², the county is nearly as large as the country of Belgium, yet it remains largely sparsely populated, offering extensive tracts of untouched nature.
Key Facts
- Capital: Falun
- Largest City: Borlänge
- Total Area: 28,188.8 km²
- Population: 287,253 (as of December 31, 2023)
- Number of Municipalities: 15
- Founded: 1634
Historical Evolution
The history of Dalarna is closely tied to the administrative shifts of the Swedish state. In earlier eras, the region was periodically governed by the governor of Västerås Castle. The modern administrative structure began to take shape with the 1634 Instrument of Government, which established the county and appointed its own Governor.
For much of its history, the area was known as Kopparberg County (Kopparbergs län), a name derived from the "Copper Mountain." This name was officially changed to Dalarna County on January 1, 1997, to align with the name of the provincial region. It is important to note that the small town of Kopparberg is located in the neighboring Örebro County and should not be confused with the former name of this region.
Administrative and Political Structure
Dalarna County operates under a dual administrative system. The County Administrative Board is a government agency led by a Governor. Its primary mission is to implement national political goals set by the Riksdag (the Swedish Parliament) and the Government, coordinate regional interests, and ensure the rule of law within the county.
While the Administrative Board handles state interests, Region Dalarna (the county council) is responsible for local governance, specifically managing healthcare and public transportation. The political landscape of the region is diverse; following the 2018 elections, the Social Democrats held the largest number of seats in the county council, followed by the Moderate Party and the Sweden Democrats.
Regional Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Sweden |
| Coordinates | 60°40′43″N 15°36′02″E |
| GDP (2015) | SEK 99 billion (€10.595 billion) |
| Population Density | 10.19/km² |
| Time Zone | UTC+1 (CET) / UTC+2 (CEST) |
Municipalities and Localities
The county is divided into 15 municipalities (kommuner), which serve as the primary administrative divisions. These municipalities manage local affairs and vary significantly in population size.
The largest urban centers are Borlänge and Falun. Other significant municipalities include Avesta, Ludvika, and Mora. The distribution of the population is concentrated in these hubs, while much of the surrounding area remains wilderness.
Top 5 Most Populated Localities
- Borlänge: 41,734
- Falun: 37,291
- Avesta: 14,506
- Ludvika: 14,498
- Mora: 10,896
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Dalarna County and Dalarna Province?
Dalarna County is an administrative division used for government and political purposes. The province of Dalarna is a cultural and historical region. While the county encompasses almost all of the province, the province is slightly larger because a portion of Ljusdal Municipality belongs to it.
Who governs Dalarna County?
The county is managed by two main bodies: the County Administrative Board, which is headed by a Governor and represents the national government, and Region Dalarna, which handles regional matters like healthcare.
What was the former name of Dalarna County?
Until January 1, 1997, the county was known as Kopparberg County (Kopparbergs län).
What is the capital of Dalarna?
The capital of Dalarna County is Falun.
Is Dalarna County a coastal region?
No, Dalarna County is a landlocked county located in central Sweden.