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Norrbotten County

Norrbotten
Norrbottens län
County of Sweden
Coat of arms of Norrbotten
Coat of arms
Official logo of Norrbotten
 
Country Sweden
Formed 1810
Capital Luleå
Government
 • Governor Sven-Erik Österberg
 • Council Norrbottens Läns Landsting
Area
 • Total 98,244.8 km2 (37,932.5 sq mi)
Population (March 31 2011)
 • Total 248,421
 • Density 2.5/km2 (6.5/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
ISO 3166 code SE-BD
GDP/ Nominal SEK 59,875 million (2004)
GDP per capita SEK 236,000
NUTS Region SE332
Website www.bd.lst.se

Norrbotten County (Norrbottens län; Finnish: Norrbottenin lääni) is the northernmost county or län of Sweden. It borders Västerbotten County to the southwest, the Gulf of Bothnia to the southeast. It also borders the counties of Nordland and Troms in Norway to the northwest, and Lapland Province in Finland to the northeast.

The name "Norrbotten" is also used for a province of the same name. Norrbotten province covers only the eastern part of Norrbotten County – the inland mostly belongs to the Swedish Lapland province (Lappland).

The northern part of Norrbotten lies within the Arctic Circle.

Norrbotten County exists on provinces of Norrbotten and about two thirds of Swedish Lapland.

Norrbotten County covers almost one quarter of Sweden's surface, but is sparsely inhabited. This is especially true for inland parts of Lapland.

The climate is generally harsh, which is not surprising considering its northern location. However, the long summer days allow crops to ripen within two to three months, and various grains are commonly grown and make up an important part of the industry. Besides grains, potatoes and turnips are also grown. The most important plant is however grass, used as hay for the .

Major rivers in Norrbotten County (north–south) include the Torne River, Lule River, Kalix River, and Pite River. Rivers shared with Västerbotten County include Skellefte River and Ume River. Other rivers that flow directly to the sea and that are at least 100 km long are the Sangis River, Råne River, Åby River, and Byske River.


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