Cultural and Natural Environment

Västra Götaland in geographical terms
Västra Götaland unites three geographical regions, those of Bohuslän, Dalsland and Västergötland. The new province forms a well defined entity, bounded by the Skagerrak and the Kattegat on the West and by Lakes Vänern and Vättern on the North and East. The various regions have worked closely with one another for years, and in many ways they are already closely interwoven with one another in terms of trade and industry, transport, training and education and cultural issues.

The earlier boundaries, dating from the 1600s, were based on historical considerations that have long since been out-of-date. The new province unites the three former provinces and brings them strength, dynamic force and better opportunities for future development.

Millennia of culture combined with centuries of modern industrial history
The prehistoric grave-fields in the Southern part of Skaraborg and the rock-carvings at Tanumshede, now declared a world heritage site, both bear witness of cultural roots dating back many thousands of years and of extensive contacts between the population and the rest of Europe. The rich soil of the tracts between Lakes Vänern and Vättern made this one of the central areas of civilization when Sweden first began to develop as a single nation, nearly 1 000 years ago. Distinctive coastal settlements, a rich industrial history and the firmly rooted centre of trade that is Göteborg are other features of Västra Götaland's cultural heritage and reminders of the important part the region has played in the history of the nation.

The deep woods of Tiveden, the rich clay of the flatlands, the rocks and cliffs of the western coast ... all serve as reminders of Västra Götaland's many-faceted natural environment and climate. The coast of Bohuslän, the area around Lakes Vänern and Vättern and the rocky plateaux of Västergötland are all of them of national interest. Soil types that are deficient in lime and susceptible to acidification predominate, so that a reduction of acidification is one of the environmental priorities.