Västmanland County

Geography and municipalities

The county includes a mix of urban and rural territories, notable shoreline along Lake Mälaren and inland forested areas that are part of the greater Bergslagen mineral district. Local government is divided into municipalities; principal population and service centres combine with smaller mining and forestry communities.

• Västerås
• Sala
• Köping
• Arboga
• Fagersta
• Hallstahammar
• Kungsör
• Norberg
• Skinnskatteberg
• Surahammar

History

The county was established in 1634 as part of a nationwide administrative reform led by Sweden's central government; this reorganization created the modern län system still in use today. The area has older roots in medieval provincial structures and became industrially significant from the 17th century onward, driven by mining and later by large engineering firms.

Economy, culture and transport

Industry and manufacturing have long shaped the regional economy. Västerås developed into an engineering and electrical hub with firms whose successors remain important employers. Cultural heritage includes historic mining sites such as the Sala silver mine and industrial museums. The county is connected by rail and road to other Swedish regions and serves as a commuter and logistical node for central Sweden.

Administration and notable facts

Västmanland is administered through a County Administrative Board and an elected regional council which manage different aspects of governance; the county plays a role in coordinating state objectives and regional services. For introductory government or tourism details see the county profile pages and resources on regional organization (county, central Sweden). The county's creation in 1634 ties it to the era of early modern Swedish state-building and long-term industrial development.

For more local information and visitor guidance consult municipal sites and regional portals; further administrative links and detailed maps are available from authorities and tourism offices (Västmanlands län, Västerås, history).