OSTFOLD

fylke (county), extreme southeastern Norway, extending from Oslo Fjord (west) to the Swedish border (east). Its total area is 1,615 square miles (4,183 square km). The county's hilly landscape, with forests to the north and east, rises gradually to about 8001,000 feet (240300 m). The principal rivers are the Glomma (Glma) and the Tistedalselva, both flowing north-south through the glaciated topography. Glomma, the longest river in Norway, discharges into the Skager Strait at Fredrikstad. stfold is perhaps the nation's oldest inhabited region, with rock drawings and mounds throughout the area that are relics of the Stone Age. Numerous stone churches date from shortly after Norway's conversion to Christianity in the 10th and 11th centuries AD. stfold is, in its economy, essentially suburban to Oslo, the nation's capital; the chief townsMoss (the county seat), Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg, and Haldenare all within 60 miles (100 km) of Oslo. These communities engage in manufacturing (wood products, pulp, chemicals, and rubber) and food processing. Moss and Fredrikstad also have important shipyards. The rural areas of the south produce large quantities of vegetables and dairy products for the Oslo market. stfold's coast and offshore islets are a popular resort area. Pop. (1997 est.) 241,206.