The county municipality's most important tasks include secondary education, recreation (sports and outdoor life), and cultural heritage.

The county municipality has further responsibility for regional land-use planning, business development, power production, and environmental management.

[2] Here is a list of people who have held this position:[3] The county council (Norwegian: Fylkestinget) is made up of 35 representatives that are elected by direct election by all legal residents of the county every fourth year.

Both the council and executive committee (with at least 5 members) are led by the county mayor (Norwegian: fylkesordfører).

[1][5] The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political party.