Each of these levels has a supporting administrative structure. As of January 1995, Norway had 19 county municipality governments and 435 municipalities with an average size of 9,000 inhabitants. Municipalities are run by elected delegates and, compared to municipalities in most other European countries, are relatively autonomous entities. The municipal political system has been subject to only minor changes since the original regulations were promulgated in 1836. Elections to the local council are held every four years.
Most politicians carry out their duties on a part-time basis.
Norwegian local municipalities, and thus their politicians, have wide-ranging powers in terms of mandate and authority. As an example, annual investments in the public sector corresponding to more than ten percent of the gross domestic product are approved by local politicians. Although the structure of political committees and administrative departments is defined by law, the local municipality is free to adjust this structure according to local conditions. Figure 2 shows a simplified outline of Salangen's administrative and political bodies. The local council represents the highest political authority in the municipality.