GASTRIKLAND

landskap (province), eastern Sweden. It lies along the Gulf of Bothnia, in the administrative ln (county) of Gvleborg. With a land area of 1,614 square miles (4,181 square km), it is one of the smaller traditional provinces of Sweden. Bounded on the south by the province of Uppland, on the north by that of Hlsingland, and on the west by that of Dalarna, it is transitional in character between central Sweden and the region of Norrland. Inland from its rocky coast, which has many fine beaches, there are numerous lakes and wooded hills. Because of the province's extensive forests, leading industries include lumbering, sawmilling, and the manufacture of wood pulp and paper. Ironworks are also prevalent, having flourished since the Middle Ages; this is especially true of the area around Sandviken, which is famous for its saws. Gvle is the major town. Pop. (1987 est.) 145,654.