As of 1 January 2007, the public administration system in Denmark was completely reorganised. A total of 13 county authorities were discontinued and instead, the country was divided into five regions. The Region of Southern Denmark consists of four of the former counties: * Fyn * Ribe * Southern Jutland * Vejle (the southern part of that county) The tasks previously handled by the county authorities have now been divided up between the municipalities, the Danish State and the new regions. The regional authorities are responsible for the hospitals, some of the former county social and psychiatric institutions, and regional development. The Region of Southern Denmark is the largest workplace in the region, employing around 25,000 people. Measured in turnover, the Region of Southern Denmark is also a true heavyweight, with an annual budget of DKK 20.3 billion. This is larger than the budget for the Danish armed forces, and the figure is also greater than the turnover of the biggest industrial companies in Denmark.
