SODERMANLAND

ln (county) of east-central Sweden. It lies along the Baltic Sea near Stockholm and is bounded by Lake Mlar and Lake Hjlmar. Its area consists of most of the traditional landskap (province) of Sdermanland. It is a lowland region that has many small lakes and fertile soils. Grain and fruit are grown, and there is some stock raising and dairying. Industries include iron mining, woodworking, and papermaking. The ln gains importance from the Sdertlje Canal in the east, which links Lake Mlar with the Baltic. Urban centres include Nykping, the capital; Eskilstuna, known for its engineering industries; Katrineholm, a railway junction and industrial town; and the Baltic port of Oxelsund, which is the export harbour for Bergslagen iron and steel. Area 2,340 square miles (6,060 square km). Pop. (1994 est.) 259,199.