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Hälsingland

Hälsingland
Coat of arms of Hälsingland
Coat of arms
Sverigekarta-Landskap Hälsingland.svg
Country Sweden
Land Norrland
Counties Gävleborg County
Jämtland County
Västernorrland County
Area
 • Total 14,264 km2 (5,507 sq mi)
Population (2012)
 • Total 129,221
 • Density 9.1/km2 (23/sq mi)
Ethnicity
 • Language Swedish
Culture
 • Flower Flax
 • Animal Lynx
 • Bird Ural owl
 • Fish Ide
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)

Hälsingland (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈhɛlːsɪŋland]), sometimes referred to as Helsingia in English, is a historical province or landskap in central Sweden. It borders Gästrikland, Dalarna, Härjedalen, Medelpad and the Gulf of Bothnia. It is part of the land of Norrland.

The traditional provinces of Sweden serve no administrative or political purpose, but are historical and cultural entities. In the case of Hälsingland the province constitutes the northern part of the administrative county, län, Gävleborg County. Minor parts of the province are in Jämtland County and in Västernorrland County.

The coat of arms were granted in 1560 in the era of King Gustav Vasa. At that time, Hälsingland was known for its large scale goat breeding, and the arms depicted a standing goat facing heraldic right. Blazon: Sable, a Goat rampant Or attired and hoofed Gules. This, combined with the arms of Gästrikland, forms the coat of arms for Gävleborg County.

The terrain is mostly mountainous and rocky, sloping down towards the coast. The highest elevation in the northern part is 530 meters, and 600 meters in the western part. Circa 85% of the land area is covered with forest, and the timber industry has historically been the main source of income. Apart from some areas around the river systems, notably around the River Ljusnan, the soil is barren. Large areas consist of rocks and bogs and are also unsuitable for agriculture.


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