Sweden Facing a New Micro- and Macroregional Fragmentation

Abstract

Paradoxically, contemporary Sweden is characterized by both uniformity and fragmentation. Historically, the territory which is now mentioned as Sweden, consisted of relatively independent regions, the ‘landscapes’. In early medieval times, i e until the 15th century, each of the 24 ‘landscapes’ had its own legislation. Today and for several hundred years, the ‘landscape’ has no administrative meaning although the concept is still alive and widely used in common language as a symbol of the macroregional identity. As an ‘image’ or trade mark, the concept is also sometimes used in regional marketing, e g within the tourist industry. Each of these regions had a more or less distinctive culture. Economic integration was sometimes restricted by trade barriers, but generally practised both among regions and with foreign countries.