A small town in northern Sweden is offering financial incentives to attract families in an effort to save its dwindling population and prevent the closure of its only primary school.
Glommersträsk, located in the Lapland region, has been experiencing a sharp population decline, with a particular shortage of school-age children.
Now, a local organisation has launched a repopulation scheme, offering cash handouts to families who relocate to the village.
The initiative comes as Glommersträsk’s primary school, Parkskolan, faces the risk of shutting its doors due to falling student numbers. Currently, only 23 children are enrolled, and local authorities have stipulated that if the number of students drops below 25, the school will be forced to close.
If this happens, children would need to attend the nearest school in Arvidsjaur, located around 40 kilometres away.
The issue of declining population is not unique to Glommersträsk. Small villages across Europe, particularly in remote areas of Italy and Spain, have implemented similar repopulation programs to attract new residents.
Glommersträsk, once home to around 1,000 people in 1950, now has only 200 residents, with many families moving to larger towns and cities for better employment opportunities.
In response, Glommersbygdens Framtid, a local organisation dedicated to preserving the village’s future, is offering a financial incentive of 10,000 Swedish kronor (approximately €875) to families willing to move to Glommersträsk.
The offer is open to the first five families who meet the criteria, including having at least one child between the ages of 6 and 15 who will attend the primary school for at least one academic year.
The program is not limited to Swedish or EU citizens; families from outside the European Union are also eligible to apply, provided they obtain a Swedish residence permit.
In addition to the cash handout, the organisation has pledged to assist families in finding housing and compiling a list of employment opportunities in the region, making the relocation process as smooth as possible.
Glommersträsk offers a unique lifestyle for those seeking a peaceful environment surrounded by nature. The village is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and skiing in the nearby wilderness.
Despite its remote location, Glommersträsk is well-connected to key amenities and larger urban centres. Skellefteå, a growing tech hub, is just an hour’s drive away, while the coastal city of Luleå, known for its beaches and cultural attractions, can be reached in two hours.
Both Skellefteå and Luleå, along with nearby Arvidsjaur, have airports with connections to major European cities, including flights to Germany and France.
The closure of the primary school would be a significant blow to the community, following the loss of the local high school in 2009 due to falling student numbers.
Glommersbygdens Framtid is hopeful that this new initiative will not only keep the primary school open but also breathe new life into the village.
Families interested in the program can apply through the organisation’s website, with more information available about the benefits and lifestyle awaiting those who choose to make Glommersträsk their new home.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members