Swedish municipalities, known as kommuner, are the local government units in Sweden. There are 290 municipalities, each responsible for various services such as education, healthcare, and public transportation. They operate under the Swedish Local Government Act, which outlines their powers and responsibilities. Each municipality is governed by a municipal council, elected by residents every four years. The councils make decisions on local matters, including budgets and development plans. Municipalities vary in size and population, ranging from large urban areas like Stockholm to small rural communities, ensuring that local needs are met effectively.