GAVLEBORG

ln (county), east central Sweden, on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. Its land area of 7,024 sq mi (18,191 sq km) is composed of the traditional landskap (province) of Gstrikland, most of that of Hlsingland, and a small part of that of Dalarna. Although low and level along the coast, it rises inland toward a wooded highland. The riversLjusnan, Voxnan, Jdran, Gvlen, and Dallvenare not suitable for navigation but are used to produce hydroelectric power. Agriculture is not of great importance, though grain and potatoes are grown, and there is some stock raising. Along the coast, particularly around Gvle, the capital, there is extensive industrial development; paper and textiles are manufactured, and lumbering and sawmilling are important. Sandviken, which has had a steel industry since 1860, is noted for its saws. Other principal cities are Sderhamn, Bollns, and Hudiksvall. Pop. (1984 est.) 291,497.