BUSKERUD

fylke (county), south-central Norway. Extending northwest from Oslo Fjord for 130 miles (209 km) to the Hardanger Upland and the Halling Mountains, it has an area of about 5,763 square miles (14,927 square km). Its western part is a mountainous plateau with forested valleys and high, grassy pastures; its eastern part contains a lowland basin with many lakes and streams that provide hydroelectric power, including the Drams River. Most of the population lives in the Ringerike region in the east, where Hnefoss is the industrial and commercial centre. Paper and pulp mills are located along the Drams, while fruit, vegetables, and corn (maize) are grown on the lowlands. Silver was mined at Kongsberg from the 17th century but was discontinued in 1957. The county seat is Drammen. Pop. (1987 est.) 221,384.