Västerbotten | |
|---|---|
| Västerbotten | |
 Coat of arms | |
 | |
| Country |  Sweden |
| Land | Norrland |
| County | Västerbotten County |
| Area | |
• Total | 15,093 km2 (5,827 sq mi) |
| Population (31 December 2023)[1] | |
• Total | 234,817 |
| • Density | 15.558/km2 (40.295/sq mi) |
| Culture | |
| • Flower | Moor-king lousewort |
| • Animal | Curlew |
| • Bird | Hen harrier |
| • Fish | Lamprey |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Västerbotten (Swedish:[ˈvɛ̂sːtɛrˌbɔtːɛn]ⓘ), sometimes calledWest Bothnia orWestrobothnia, is aprovince (landskap) in northernSweden, located by theGulf of Bothnia. It borders the provinces ofÅngermanland,Lapland andNorrbotten. The region is famous forVästerbotten cheese.[citation needed]
The traditionalprovinces of Sweden have no administrative or political functions; instead, they are purely historical and cultural entities. The administrative units are thecounties.Västerbotten County encompasses the province of Västerbotten as well as the southern part ofSwedish Lapland.[citation needed]
On 18 January 1884, all Swedish provinces were granted the status of duchies, allowing their coats of arms to be displayed with a ducal coronet. The coat of arms for Västerbotten is described as: "Azure Seme of Mullets Or a Reindeer in full course and hoofed Gules."[citation needed]
Västerbotten was historically divided intochartered cities and districts.[citation needed]
Until theFinnish War of 1808–1809 and theTreaty of Fredrikshamn, the province of Västerbotten included a small portion of what is now northernFinland. This area was later incorporated intoFinnish Lapland. The province ofOstrobothnia (Finnish:Pohjanmaa,Swedish:Österbotten), was located on the Finnish side of the Gulf of Bothnia, and its name is still in use today.
Following the treaty of Fredrikshamn, which redefined the outlines and orientation of Sweden,Västerbotten County was split in 1810. The northern part becameNorrbotten County. The Swedish-speaking residents of Norrbotten, a multilingual region, began identifying asnorrbottningar, with the new county borders fostering a local identity. Today,Norrbotten is considered a separate province, even though provinces had lost their administrative and legal significance hundreds of years before 1810.
Västerbotten Regiment served as the provincial regiment.[citation needed]
Since the 13th century, Swedish princes from certain dynasties have been created dukes of various provinces. Since 1772, these titles have been purely nominal.
Lakes | Watercourses | Watercourses |
Regional football in the province is administered byVästerbottens Fotbollförbund. Ice hockey is also popular, withIF Björklöven andSkellefteå AIK.[citation needed]
65°00′N17°30′E / 65.000°N 17.500°E /65.000; 17.500
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
