VASTMANLAND

ln (county) of central Sweden, extending north of Lake Mlar. Its area includes the southwestern part of the traditional landskap (province) of Uppland and the eastern part of Vstmanland. A fertile plain in the southeast rises northward to the edge of hilly Bergslagen district and is drained by the Arboga River, the Kolbcks River, and several smaller rivers. Dairying and market gardening are pursued on the plain, while mining and metalworking are centred on Fagersta, in Bergslagen district. The proximity of iron ore, with lesser deposits of copper, lead, and zinc, influenced the development of Vsters (q.v.), the capital, and Kping as engineering centres. Area 2,433 square miles (6,302 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 259,438.