Like the rest of the areas around Lake Mälaren, Salem has a significant amount of ancient remains, as far back as the Stone Age.

Just like its eastern municipal neighbour Botkyrka, Salem traces its history back to the legendary Saint Botvid, who lived in the area sometime between 1050-1120.

According to legend, when the remains of Saint Botvid were transported to the church in today's Botkyrka, the casket was temporarily put down near the shore of Lake Bornsjön, where a spring poured up.

However, in 1983, after energetic protests, they were split apart, and Salem became the 14th smallest municipality by area in the country.

[citation needed] Salem is served by one station, Rönninge, on the commuter train line between Södertälje and Märsta via Stockholm.

Valid voters indicate Swedish citizens above the age of 18 who therefore can vote in general elections.