Härjedalen has a rich cultural and historical heritage that spans back to the Viking era. Evidence of early human settlement in the region dates back to the Stone Age, with the Sami people being the earliest known inhabitants. The region was later settled by Norsemen, and during the Middle Ages, it became an important trading hub. The Sami people, with their distinctive culture, continue to play a significant role in the region's cultural heritage. Härjedalen has many museums and cultural centers that showcase the region's unique history and traditions. The Lillhärdals Hembygdsgård, for example, is a folk museum that displays the cultural heritage of Härjedalen. The Härjedalens Fjällmuseum is another important cultural institution in the region. It is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the mountains and includes exhibits on the Sami culture, flora and fauna, and geology of the region.

The region's economy is largely based on tourism, with winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling being major draws. Other industries in the region include agriculture and forestry, as well as mining. The largest employer in the region is the municipality itself, followed by the Härjedalens Utbildningscentrum, which provides vocational training to local residents. The municipality is governed by a democratically elected council and has a municipal executive board that is responsible for implementing the council's decisions. The region is part of the larger county of Jämtland, which has its own regional council and administrative center in the city of Östersund.