JAMTLAND

ln (county) of western Sweden, on the Norwegian border. Its land area of 19,273 sq mi (49,917 sq km) takes in the traditional landskap (provinces) of Jmtland and Hrjedalen. The land rises in the west to 5,780 ft (1,762 m) but falls to below 1,500 ft in the east. It is drained by the rivers Ljungan, Indalslven, ngermanlven, and Ljusnan; Storsjn is the largest of its many lakes. The region around Storsjn has been settled since pre-Christian times. Frsn, an island in Storsjn, was the ancient capital, as well as the site of a sacrificial temple. The northernmost rune stone in Sweden was erected near the lakeshore in about 1050. Except for a brief period (156370), Jmtland was part of Denmark's Norwegian domains until 1645. The core of Jmtland is a relatively fertile lowland that lends itself to agriculture. Dairying is a chief occupation, together with lumbering and quarrying. The beautiful lake scenery and wild mountains with many waterfalls also make the ln a tourist area. stersund is the capital, and re is a popular resort. Pop. (1984 est.) 134,946.