The counties of Sweden (Swedish: län) are an regional administrative subdivision of Sweden. Sweden is today (2016) divided into 21 counties; however, the numbers of counties has varied over time, due to territorial gains/losses and to divisions and/or mergers of existing counties. This level of administrative unit was first established in 1634 and superseded the historical provinces of Sweden (Swedish: landskap) in order to introduce a more efficient administration of the realm. The county lines often follow the provincial lines.
The counties of Sweden (Swedish: län) are an regional administrative subdivision of Sweden. Sweden is today (2016) divided into 21 counties; however, the numbers of counties has varied over time, due to territorial gains/losses and to divisions and/or mergers of existing counties. This level of administrative unit was first established in 1634 and superseded the historical provinces of Sweden (Swedish: landskap) in order to introduce a more efficient administration of the realm. The county lines often follow the provincial lines.
