Localities 2010, areas, population:
1 956 localities in Sweden 2010
Statistical news from Statistics Sweden 2011-06-16 9.30
There were 1 956 localities in Sweden in 2010. During the period 2005-2010, 59 new localities have been defined while 42 localities are no longer defined as a locality, due to a drop in population to fewer than 200 inhabitants, too high a proportion of holiday homes or because the locality has grown into another locality.
The total population in localities is 8 016 000 inhabitants, or 85 percent of the total Swedish population. During 2005–2010, the population in urban areas or localities increased by 383 000 inhabitants.
The total land area of localities is 537 615 hectares, which equals 1.3% of the total land area in Sweden. Between 2005 and 2010, the land area of localities has increased by 6 669 hectares or 1.8%.
The population density in the localities was 1 491 inhabitants per km2 in 2010. This is an increase compared to 2005 when the population density was 1 446 inhabitants per km2. Outside localities the population density amounted to 3.5 inhabitants per km2 both in 2005 and 2010.
Definitions and explanations
Delimitation of localities is made by Statistics Sweden every five years. The reference date of the most recent delimitation is 31 December 2010.
A locality consists of a group of buildings normally not more than 200 metres apart, and must fulfil a minimum criterion of having at least 200 inhabitants.
In Sweden localities are defined as urban, and all areas outside the localities as non-urban. Since the municipalities in Sweden usually are large and include both urban and rural territory, the concept of locality is used for analyses of urban and non-urban development.
The localities have no administrative status and thus have to be redefined as built-up areas grow. These adjustments are normally made every five years.
Feel free to use the facts from this statistical news but remember to state Source: Statistics Sweden.