Region Gotland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Region Gotland
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Region Gotland
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| Country |  Sweden |
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| National Area | Småland and the islands | |
| County | Gotland County | |
| Seat | Visby | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 15,331.32 km2 (5,919.46 sq mi) | |
| • Land | 3,151.44 km2 (1,216.78 sq mi) | |
| • Water | 12,179.88 km2 (4,702.68 sq mi) | |
| Area as of January 1, 2010. | ||
| Population
(June 30, 2012)
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| • Total | 57,245 | |
| • Density | 18.9/km2 (49/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| ISO 3166 code | SE | |
| Province | Gotland | |
| Municipal code | 0980 | |
| Website | www.gotland.se | |
Region Gotland, also known as Gotlands kommun (Gotland Municipality), is a special type of local government in Sweden. It covers the entire island of Gotland. The main city, Visby, is where the municipality's offices are located. Gotland Municipality is the 39th most populated municipality in Sweden.
The flag of the municipality shows a red ram on a white background.
Contents
How Gotland Became One Municipality
In 1951, the island of Gotland had many small local government areas. There was one city, Visby, one market town, Slite, and many small rural areas. Some of these rural areas had fewer than 100 people.
Changes in the 1950s
A big change happened in 1952. The many small rural areas were grouped into twelve larger municipalities. These new areas, along with Visby and Slite, created a new way of managing the island.
Uniting Gotland in the 1970s
After ten years, it was clear that more changes were needed. So, in 1971, another big reform happened across Sweden. All the old differences between rural and city areas were removed. From then on, there was only one type of local government called a kommun (municipality).
On Gotland, all the different areas were joined together into one single municipality. Because Gotland County then had only one municipality, the County Council was also removed. Its duties were taken over by the new, single municipality.
Gotland's Special Status Today
Since 2011, this special municipality is officially called Region Gotland. It has both local duties, like other municipalities, and regional duties, which are usually handled by county councils. This means Region Gotland has a unique role in Sweden.
Towns and Villages on Gotland
There are 16 main urban areas, also called Tätort or localities, within Gotland Municipality.
The table below lists these places by how many people lived there in 2005 and 2012. The main city, Visby, is shown in bold.
| # | Locality | Population in 2005 | Population in 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visby | 22,236 | 23,576 |
| 2 | Hemse | 1,836 | 1,734 |
| 3 | Slite | 1,598 | 1,500 |
| 4 | Klintehamn | 1,407 | 1,350 |
| 5 | Vibble | 1,135 | 1,300 |
| 6 | Romakloster | 905 | 949 |
| 7 | Fårösund | 862 | 800 |
| 8 | Lärbro | 521 | 500 |
| 9 | Burgsvik | 347 | 350 |
| 10 | Stånga | 342 | 300 |
| 11 | Havdhem | 318 | 300 |
| 12 | Västerhejde | 302 | n a |
| 13 | Tingstäde | 278 | n a |
| 14 | Väskinde | 275 | 250 |
| 15 | Roma kyrkby | 253 | n a |
| 16 | När | 209 | n a |
What Does Region Gotland Do?
Because Gotland is a single municipality with a special status, it handles duties that are usually split between two different types of government bodies in Sweden.
Providing Public Services
Region Gotland is responsible for the public healthcare system on the island. This means they make sure people have access to doctors and hospitals. They also manage public transport, like buses, to help people get around.
Working with the National Government
During a trial period, Region Gotland has also taken on some duties normally handled by a national government agency called the Gotland County Administrative Board. This makes Region Gotland even more unique, as it acts like a "region" in some ways, not just a municipality.
Events Hosted by the Municipality
Region Gotland helps organize the yearly Almedalen Week (Almedalsveckan). This is a very important event for anyone involved in Swedish politics.
Almedalen Week: A Political Gathering
During Almedalen Week, leaders and representatives from different political parties in the Riksdag (Sweden's parliament) come to Visby. They take turns giving speeches in the Almedalen park. It's a big meeting place for discussing important issues and ideas in Swedish politics.
See also
In Spanish: Municipio de Gotland para niños
