SVEALAND

region, central Sweden, encompassing the landskaper (provinces) of Uppland, Sdermanland, Vstmanland, Nrke, Vrmland, and Dalarna (qq.v.). Svealand is the smallest of Sweden's three regions and lies between the regions of Gtaland on the south and Norrland on the north. From the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia on the east, it stretches across the breadth of Sweden to the Norwegian frontier. Svealand is a region of fertile plains and wooded heights, great forests, and many lakes. Archaeological remains indicate that some areas were settled as early as the Stone Age. The region was the original home of the Svear (Latin: Suiones), a people who gave Sweden its name (Sverige, or Svea Rike, in Swedish, meaning kingdom of Svea), and it was the nucleus from which Sweden developed politically and culturally and later secured its independence. Its diversified economy ranges from agriculture and manufacturing to forestry and mining. Area 31,212 square miles (80,844 square km). Pop. (1994 est.) 3,340,238.