NARKE

landskap (province) lying mostly in the administrative ln (county) of rebro, south-central Sweden. Its land area of 1,592 square miles (4,122 square km) lies between the traditional landskap (provinces) of Vstmanland on the north, Sdermanland on the east, stergtland on the southeast, Vstergtland on the southwest, and Vrmland on the west. Dominating its landscape is the great central plains area, bordered by the Kils Hills (915 feet ) on the northwest and wooded heights on the south. Two of Sweden's largest lakesVttern and Hjlmarenare partly within its boundaries. Based on the many small iron-ore deposits, ironworking was prevalent during the Middle Ages. Although some mining operations remain, particularly on the border with stergtland, they have been replaced largely by forestry and its allied industries. The central plains area is one of the most agriculturally productive of central Sweden. The acreage of arable land has been greatly increased by the reclamation of swampland and by the lowering of lake levels. Among the leading industries are shoe manufacturing and food processing. Principal towns include rebro, Kumla, and Askersund. Pop. (1994 est.) 179,769.