Norrbottens län

Business and employers

The ore, the steel, the forest and the hydro-power are important, both for the county and for the whole of Sweden. The county has exporting manufacturing companies, a growing tourism and services sector, and small businesses that are growing in importance.

The county's biggest employer is Region Norrbotten with almost 7,500 employees, followed by Luleå, Piteå and Boden municipalities. The biggest private employer is LKAB, a mining company. SSAB is one of the world's leading steel manufacturers.

The establishment of a large international company's computer centre in Luleå has supplemented the business sector in the county. The computer centre has gained global interest, and has opened up opportunities for more investments in the county. The willingness to invest in existing companies is great. The mining companies are investing billions in several places in the county.

Associations and organisations – civil society

Norrbotten has many different not-for-profit associations, where old and young are offered opportunities to find various activities. There are study associations that make it possible to learn to sing, dance and gain in-depth knowledge of various languages or areas of knowledge. There are also several folk high schools that offer teaching, for example in creative arts.

Norrbotten has several different faiths that gather and unite people. Several organisations in Norrbotten also work on increasing the integration between native Norrbotten people and those who move here.

Norrbotten County has a Regional Working Group made up of the county administrative board, Arbetsförmedlingen, the Migration Agency, Region Norrbotten, Hela Sverige ska leva (Rural Sweden), Företagarna, Försäkringskassan, the Church of Sweden, Norrbotten's athletics association, Norrbotten's adult education association, the Red Cross, Save the Children, and all the municipalities. The group draws attention to important areas of development, brings together motivated stakeholders and is a learning network. Every individual who moves to the county is seen as a resource needed for continued growth and development in the county.

Schools and education

Luleå University of Technology is the northern-most technology university in Scandinavia, with research and teaching of world class. The university offers many different programmes, such as technology, economics, social sciences, health, media and music, as well as teacher training. Luleå University of Technology is located on five campuses: Luleå, Piteå, Skellefteå, Kiruna and the School of Mines in Filipstad. Norrbotten has a number of vocational college programmes. The programmes result in a clear professional role, and are offered in close collaboration with business.

Medical care

There are five hospitals in the county: the Sunderby County Hospital in Luleå, Gällivare Hospital, Kalix Hospital, Kiruna Hospital and Piteå Älvdal Hospital. There are also 34 health centres. Most of these are run by the region and some by private care providers. Each municipality has at least one health centre.

Culture and leisure

The county has a broad range of cultural and leisure activities, interesting natural and cultural environments and popular visitor attractions. The range of cultural activities include dance and drama experiences and concerts of many different types. There is one major theatre, but plays are also put on in other premises around the county. During the year, there are festivals and market activities that attract many visitors to various municipalities around the county. Norrbotten also has several museums around the county. One example is Ájtte Museum in Jokkmokk, where visitors can learn about Sami culture.

Norrbotten also has a fantastically rich and varied natural landscape, which is a great resource for the county. The county has 354 nature reserves, where you can walk, pick berries and mushrooms and experience mountains and fantastic water-rich river deltas. In most places, fishing, hunting and driving snow scooters are also permitted. The county offers lots of opportunities to carry on sports and leisure activities both in summer and in winter. Skis and skates can provide new experiences, and Norrbotten also has many sports clubs that make it possible for people of all ages to take part in sports and be active.