About Salar

The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) is both an employers’ organisation and an organisation that represents and advocates for local government in Sweden. All of Sweden’s municipalities, county councils and regions are members of SALAR. SALAR represents and acts on their initiative

SALAR represents the governmental, professional and employer-related interests of Sweden’s 290 municipalities and 20 county councils/regions. Its activities are mostly financed by annual member fees.

SALAR is a member of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). Internationally it is considered to be one of the strongest associations of its kind.

This is due to Sweden’s long tradition of decentralization and the recognition of the local political level in the country’s constitution. The Swedish local and regional levels hold significant responsibilities in delivering welfare services.

SALAR’s standing in Swedish society, along with the expertise that rests with its secretariat of 450 employees, provides a solid base of resources for SKL International in its work globally.