Goteborg has functioned as an urban centre with a civic organisation and local government, whose purpose has been to care for the welfare of its inhabitants, for 375 years. The city was founded in 1621 by the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, but it was developed largely by city planners and canal experts from the Netherlands and Germany. To this day the city owes much to the influence of people from abroad. Tourists and other visitors return year after year - the Goteborg region is one of the most poular tourist areas in Scandinavia. The Goteborg region has more than 600.000 inhabitants. Goteborg has everything a modern city should be able to offer, combined with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.