[needs update] The formal capital and seat of the governor of Västra Götaland County is Gothenburg.

The political capital and seat of the Västra Götaland Regional Council is Vänersborg.

Due to its size and young age, the Västra Götaland County has no common heritage.

Of cultural and historical significance are the provinces that Västra Götaland County consists of: Västergötland, Bohuslän and Dalsland.

It is also bounded by the Norwegian county of Østfold both with a land and maritime border, lakes Vättern and Vänern, as well as the strait of Skagerrak.