The present municipality was created in 1971, when the market town (köping) Alvesta (instituted in 1945) was amalgamated with four surrounding rural municipalities. Amalgamations had also taken place in 1952 and 1963. The number of original local government entities within the present municipality is twelve.

The municipal arms are from 1951 and depict three bees and a winged wheel. This symbolizes the railroad that is so vital for the industry, while the bees signify the hard-working spirit that the locals pride themselves with.

The municipality boasts nature areas and is suitable for fishing, canoeing or playing golf.

The mansion of Huseby is a popular place to visit, located some 15 kilometers south of the town Alvesta, and hosts a couple of museums. There are also old churches scattered around the municipality, some medieval, among them the Alvesta Church.

There are 6 urban areas (or tätort) in Alvesta Municipality.

In the table the localities are listed according to the size of the population as of December 31, 2005. The municipal seat is in bold characters.

Some well-known natives of Alvesta are the national famous magician Joe Labero and the ATP tennis player Jonas Björkman. The former world #1 in the same sport, Mats Wilander, was originally from Torpsbruk in the north part of the municipality.

Swan J. Turnblad (1860–1933) American newspaper publisher associated with Svenska Amerikanska Posten, a Swedish language newspaper once published in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was born in Tubbemåla in Vislanda parish.

Result of the 2010 election

Moderate Party 30,28%

...
Wikipedia