VASTERGOTLAND

landskap (province), southwestern Sweden. It is composed largely of the administrative ln (county) of Vstra Gtaland and of portions of Halland and rebro counties. Lying between Lakes Vttern and Vnern, it is bounded by the traditional provinces of Vrmland on the north, Nrke on the east, Smland and Halland on the south, Bohusln on the west, and Dalsland on the northwest. Only a small portion of the province's territory fronts on the sea, but this important area includes Gteborg, which is Sweden's second largest city and major port. The scenery in Vstergtland varies from wooded uplands in the southern area to ridges in the central and northern parts that rise to elevations of more than 1,000 feet (300 metres). The name of the province means West Gothland. Agriculture is predominant in the northern part of the province, with its fertile plains; rye, wheat, and oats are the chief crops. Industry is important around Gteborg, Bors, and Vnersborg. The province's leading industries include fishing, limestone quarrying, shipbuilding, sugar refining, and the manufacture of textiles, paper, porcelain, and matches. Other important towns include Trollhttan, Skara, Mlndal, Lidkping, and Skvde. Area 6,438 square miles (16,675 square km). Pop. (1998 est.) 1,177,687.