An ombudsman (/ˈɒmbʊdzmən/, also US: /-bədz-, -bʌdz-/,[1][2][3] Swedish: [ˈɔ̂mːbʉːdsˌman]) is an official who is usually hired by the government or by parliament. In some countries, an inspector general, citizen activist or other official may have duties similar to those of a national ombudsman. An ombudsman may be appointed by a state, local, or city government.