POHJANMAA

also called Ostrobothnia, or Ostrobothnian Plain, Swedish sterbotten, lowland plain in Vaasa and Oulu lnit (provinces), western Finland, along the Gulf of Bothnia. Pohjanmaa is about 60 miles (100 km) wide and 160 miles (257 km) long. It consists of flat plains of sand and clay soil that are broken by rivers and bog areas. It is drained mainly by the Lapuan, Kyrn, and Iso rivers, which flow to the Gulf of Bothnia. The lowlands are divided between agricultural developments and forested areas. The Swedish-speaking farmers produce turnips, winter wheat, and hay and raise dairy cattle. Since the 1950s the raising of mink and fox and the exporting of furs have grown in importance. The pine forests that cover approximately 65 percent of the region have not been exploited to any great extent. The city of Vaasa is the primary port and economic centre for the area.