The dataset defines the six reindeer grazing areas that together constitute the Sami reindeer grazing area. The right to practice reindeer husbandry within these areas is exclusive to the Sami population. This special Sami right is not applicable outside these areas, where special permission is required for reindeer husbandry on owned and leased land. A reindeer grazing area constitutes an administrative unit for a number of reindeer grazing districts. The County Governor is the administration authority in the reindeer grazing areas.

The reindeer grazing areas where Sami reindeer husbandry takes place covers approx. 40% of the land area of Norway, extending from Finnmark in the north to Engerdal, Hedmark in the south. Sami reindeer husbandry also takes place in Trollheimen on the basis of a special legal arrangement. Non-sami reindeer husbandry takes place in the mountain areas in Southern Norway, based on agreements with landowners.