Described are residential and educational services provided for mentally retarded (MC) children and adults in Sweden. Normalization is the focus of the services which make maximum use of mental and physical capacities to reduce the handicap of mental retardation. Described are general principles, and four stages involving development of services (diagnosis, specialization, differentiation, and decentralization). Administrative facts and regulations are explained in terms of authorities responsible, legislation, and planning of services according to legislation. Discussed in a section on epidemiology and etiology are aspects such as early identification of the MR, causes and additional handicaps, incidence, and trends (indicating a decrease in number of cases of children and increase of adult cases). Principles of residential care which are discussed include community group homes, social adaptation, single room provision, provision for small heterogeneous groups, and integration by sex. The following are among services described: special schools and boarding homes for children, preschools and nurseries, vocational education, residential homes for children and adults, standards for residential facilities, day care services, sheltered workshops, and services for leisure activities. Explained are individual rights of MR persons, costs of care, and responsibility of authorities in safeguarding rights of the MR. Discussed are ancillary services such as nursing care, child psychiatry, and pediatrics; and noted are trends toward normalization of services. (MC)