JONKOPING

city and capital of the ln (county) of Jnkping, southern Sweden. It lies at the southern end of Lake Vtter and on the shores of Munk Lake and Rock Lake. In 1283 Franciscan monks built a monastery on this site, and the following year the town was chartered. Because of its strategic position, it suffered greatly in the wars between Denmark and Sweden, during which it was twice (1567 and 1612) set on fire by its own citizens at the approach of the Danes. The present town dates from the rebuilding begun in 1614. Historic buildings include the Old Town Hall (169699), the Court of Appeal (1655; one of the oldest in Sweden), and Christina Church, or Kristinekyrkan (164973); there is also a county museum. The leading industry in the city is the manufacture of matches; paper, textiles, and machinery are also produced. Jnkping is connected by rail with the main Swedish lines and has water connections through the Gta Canal with the Kattegat and the Baltic Sea; there is an airport. Pop. (1992 est.) mun., 112,277. ln (county) of southern Sweden, in Gtaland region. It extends southward from Lake Vtter through part of the traditional landskap (province) of Smland. Jnkping is the highest county of southern Sweden, with heights rising above 1,300 feet (400 m). Its rough terrain is studded with lakes and drained by the rivers Emn, Lagan, and Nissan. Although it is primarily wooded, the ln supports rye and oats cultivation and cattle raising. Most manufacturers exploit the timber supply. The main city is Jnkping, the capital, on the southern shore of Lake Vtter. Area 3,839 square miles (9,944 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 309,738.