What is Lapland (Lappland) in the context of Sweden?

Lapland, known in Swedish as Lappland, is the northernmost historical province of Sweden. It is a significant geographical area, comprising nearly a quarter of Sweden's total land area.

How does the size of Swedish Lapland compare to European countries?

Lapland's land area is vast, measuring 109,702 square kilometers (approximately 42,300 square miles). This makes it larger than Austria and nearly equal in size to Portugal. It is also larger than the combined land area of the Benelux countries and more than double the size of Switzerland.

What is the climate like in Lapland, Sweden?

Lapland experiences a subarctic climate in its lower-lying areas, with polar climate variations found in higher elevations like Tarfala. The region has significant seasonal temperature differences due to its high latitude and inland location, leading to harsh winters, though southern areas at lower elevations can have relatively warm summers.

How did the historical province of Lapland become divided?

The historical province of Lapland was divided when the Russian Empire annexed the eastern part of Sweden in 1809, forming the Grand Duchy of Finland. This division resulted in a Swedish part and a Finnish part of Lapland, both of which persist today.

What was the status of Norrbotten/Lapland during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, the region of Norrbotten, which encompassed much of what is now Lapland, was considered a 'no man's land.' While populated by nomadic Sámi people, it gradually saw settlement by Swedes, Finns, and Norwegians, particularly along the coasts and major rivers.

How did Swedish kings attempt to influence the population of Lapland historically?

From the Middle Ages onwards, Swedish kings sought to colonize and Christianize the area. They encouraged settlers from what is now Finland and southern Sweden to move into the region.

What religious changes occurred in Lapland during the 17th and 18th centuries?

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Lapland underwent religious conversion efforts. The Sámi people generally transitioned from their original shamanistic beliefs to Lutheranism.

What religious movement has been particularly characteristic of Lapland since the 19th century?

Since the 19th century, Lapland has been notably characterized by Laestadian Lutheranism, a conservative branch of Lutheranism that has a significant following in the region.

What role did Lapland play in Sweden's industrialization?

During Sweden's industrialization in the late 19th century, the natural resources of Lapland, including hydroelectricity, timber, and minerals, were crucial. These resources formed the backbone of the local economy, alongside municipal services, though the region has faced relatively high unemployment for decades.

What are some notable geographical and natural features of Lapland, Sweden?

Lapland is known for significant natural areas, including the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of Sweden's largest. It also contains the Laponian area, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several of Northern Europe's oldest and most spectacular national parks, such as Sarek National Park.

Which national parks are located within Lapland, Sweden?

The national parks located within Lapland include Abisko, Björnlandet, Muddus, Padjelanta, Sarek, Stora Sjöfallet, and Vadvetjåkka.

What is the administrative structure of Lapland within Sweden?

While Lapland is a historical province, it does not serve administrative or political purposes today. Administratively, it is divided between two counties: Norrbotten County in the north and Västerbotten County in the south.

How do people in Norrbotten and Västerbotten counties identify themselves in relation to Lapland?

In contrast to many other parts of Sweden, residents in these counties tend to identify more strongly with their respective counties (Norrbotten or Västerbotten) rather than the historical province of Lapland. When referring to their region, they often include the Lapland areas within their county.

What rights do Sámi people have regarding political representation in Lapland?

Citizens of Sámi descent in Lapland are eligible to stand and vote in elections for the Swedish Sámi Parliament, similar to Sámi people in other parts of Sweden.

In which municipalities does the North Sámi language have official minority status?

The North Sámi language holds official minority status in the municipalities of Kiruna, Gällivare, Jokkmokk, and Arjeplog.

Can you list the municipalities whose seats are located within the historical province of Lapland?

The municipalities with their seats in Lapland are Arjeplog, Arvidsjaur, Dorotea, Gällivare, Jokkmokk, Kiruna, Lycksele, Malå, Sorsele, Storuman, Vilhelmina, and Åsele.

What was the population of Swedish Lapland as of December 2023?

As of December 31, 2023, the population of Swedish Lapland was 87,744.

What is the population density of Swedish Lapland?

The population density of Swedish Lapland is approximately 0.80 people per square kilometer (or about 2.07 people per square mile).

Which are the largest cities in Swedish Lapland?

The largest cities in Swedish Lapland are Kiruna, with 23,178 inhabitants, followed by Gällivare with 18,123 inhabitants, and Lycksele with 12,177 inhabitants.

How is the population distributed among the municipalities in Norrbotten County that are part of Lapland?

Within Norrbotten County, the Lapland municipalities have the following populations: Kiruna (23,178), Gällivare (18,123), Jokkmokk (5,072), Arjeplog (2,887), and Arvidsjaur (6,471).

How is the population distributed among the municipalities in Västerbotten County that are part of Lapland?

Within Västerbotten County, the Lapland municipalities have the following populations: Lycksele (12,177), Vilhelmina (6,829), Storuman (5,943), Malå (3,109), Åsele (2,814), Dorotea (2,740), and Sorsele (2,516).

How is the coat of arms of Lapland described heraldically?

The coat of arms of Lapland is described as Argent, a Wildman statant Gules wrapped with birch leaves Vert on the head and around the waist holding a Club Or in dexter over the shoulder. This means it features a red wildman figure on a silver background, adorned with green birch leaves, holding a golden club.

What does the 'wildman' symbol in Lapland's coat of arms represent?

The wildman, wielding a club, is an old symbol representing the uncivilized north. It first appeared in the 16th century and was used in books and woodcuts before being formally adopted in heraldry.

When did the wildman symbol first appear in relation to Lapland's heraldry?

The wildman symbol first appeared in the context of Lapland's heraldry at the coronation of Charles IX of Sweden in 1607 and again at his burial in 1611.

What was the historical significance of the count's coronet on Lapland's coat of arms?

The count's coronet, placed atop the coat of arms, symbolized Lapland's formal designation as a county (grevskap) during the Vasa period in Swedish history.

When did provinces in Sweden gain the right to use a ducal coronet on their heraldic arms?

On January 18, 1884, the Privy Council granted all provinces the right to use a ducal coronet on their heraldic arms.

What are the primary climate classifications found in Lapland, Sweden?

Lapland primarily features a subarctic climate, particularly in its lower elevations. In higher or more extreme locations, such as Tarfala, a polar climate can be observed.

How do latitude and location influence Lapland's climate?

Due to its high latitude, Lapland experiences phenomena like the midnight sun during summer and a moderate polar night with civil twilight during winter. Its inland location, compared to coastal areas, results in less maritime moderation, leading to harsher winters.

What climatic phenomena occur in the northern parts of Lapland due to its position relative to the Arctic Circle?

The northern areas of Lapland, situated above the Arctic Circle, experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where daylight lasts for 24 hours during certain periods of the year. Conversely, they also experience a polar night, characterized by extended periods of twilight or darkness.

Which football associations administer sports in Lapland?

Football in Lapland is administered by two regional associations: Norrbottens Fotbollförbund and Västerbottens Fotbollförbund.

What is the purpose of the 'Swedish Lapland' brand?

'Swedish Lapland' is a brand name used by an EU-subsidised government tourism marketing organization. Its aim is to promote tourism in Northern Sweden.

Does the 'Swedish Lapland' marketing area strictly correspond to the historical province?

No, the 'Swedish Lapland' marketing area extends beyond the geographical boundaries of the historical province. It includes towns in the coastal Gulf of Bothnia area and the border region with Finland, which are not part of the traditional province of Swedish Lapland.

What are the two main national minorities residing in Lapland?

The two prominent national minorities in Lapland are the Sámi people and the Tornedalians.

Who are the Tornedalians, and how did their language develop?

Tornedalians are Finnish speakers who remained in Sweden after the Finnish War of 1809 led to the division of historical Lapland. Their language, Meänkieli, evolved separately from standard Finnish, incorporating Swedish loanwords and developing independently due to historical and political circumstances, including the separation of the Torne Valley from the Grand Duchy of Finland.

What is the current status and classification debate surrounding the Meänkieli language?

Meänkieli is the language of the Tornedalians. While largely mutually intelligible with Finnish, there is an ongoing debate about whether it should be classified as a distinct language or a dialect of Finnish, as its standardization has developed independently from Standard Finnish.

Why is the term 'Lapland' sometimes avoided in favor of other regional names?

The term 'Lapland' is sometimes avoided because the word 'Lapp' is perceived as derogatory towards the Sámi people. Consequently, there is a tendency to refer to the region by its constituent counties, Västerbotten and Norrbotten, or by the Sámi name.

What alternative name is commonly used for the Sámi cultural area traditionally known as Lapland?

Since the mid-1990s, the Sámi cultural area that was historically referred to as Lapland is more commonly known as Sápmi.

What does the image featuring a coat of arms depict?

The image displays the coat of arms of Lapland, which features a wildman figure. This specific depiction is noted as being an embroidered version from the funeral of Charles X Gustav in 1660.

What geographical feature is shown in the first photograph?

The first photograph shows the Lapporten mountain pass during winter.

What is depicted in the second photograph?

The second photograph shows the Abiskojåkka river and Torneträsk lake during spring.

What does the map image illustrate?

The map image illustrates the location of the historical province of Lapland within Sweden.

What is the Swedish name for the historical province of Lapland?

The Swedish name for the historical province of Lapland is Lappland.

What is the significance of the Laponian area mentioned in relation to Lapland's geography?

The Laponian area, located within Lapland, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its significant natural and cultural value.

How does the inland location of Lapland affect its climate compared to coastal areas?

Due to its inland location, Lapland experiences less maritime moderation than coastal regions, resulting in more extreme temperatures and harsher winters.

What is the primary economic backbone of Lapland, according to the text?

The primary economic activities in Lapland are mining, forestry, and hydroelectric power generation, supplemented by municipal services.

What challenges has Lapland faced economically in recent decades?

Despite its key industries, Lapland has experienced relatively high unemployment for several decades, leading many young people to leave for larger cities.

What is the historical context for the Sámi people's presence in Lapland?

The Sámi people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland, and historically, they populated the region which was considered a 'no man's land' before increased settlement by other groups.

What is the relationship between the historical province of Lapland and the modern counties of Norrbotten and Västerbotten?

The historical province of Lapland is administratively divided between the modern counties of Norrbotten County in the north and Västerbotten County in the south.

What does the presence of the Arctic Circle mean for the northern parts of Lapland?

The Arctic Circle's passage through northern Lapland results in extreme daylight variations, including the midnight sun in summer and periods of polar night in winter.

Study page for lapland sweden

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Geographical Context

Lapland (Swedish: Lappland) stands as the northernmost historical province of Sweden. It shares borders with the Swedish provinces of Jämtland, Ångermanland, Västerbotten, and Norrbotten, as well as the neighboring countries of Norway and Finland. This vast region encompasses approximately one-quarter of Sweden's total land area, making it a significant geographical entity.

Historical Division

Historically, the province of Lapland extended further eastward. However, the geopolitical shifts following the Finnish War of 1809 led to the annexation of the eastern territories by the Russian Empire, forming the Grand Duchy of Finland. This division resulted in the contemporary Swedish Lapland and its Finnish counterpart, with the Swedish portion primarily comprising the inland areas of Västerbotten and Norrbotten Counties.

Climate Characteristics

Situated at high latitudes and characterized by its inland location, Lapland experiences Sweden's most extreme climates. It is marked by significant seasonal variations, including prolonged periods of cold. The geography contributes to harsh winters, contrasting with potentially milder summers in its southern, lower-elevation areas.

Historical Trajectory

Early Settlement and Colonization

During the Middle Ages, the region now known as Lapland was largely considered a "no man's land." It was inhabited by nomadic Sámi people, but gradually saw settlement by Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian peoples, particularly along the coasts and major river systems. Swedish monarchs actively promoted colonization and Christianization efforts from the Middle Ages onward, encouraging settlers from Finland and southern Sweden.

Religious Transformation

While indigenous shamanistic practices were prevalent, the 17th and 18th centuries witnessed a significant push towards conversion to Lutheranism. This period led to the general abandonment of traditional beliefs among the Sámi population. In subsequent centuries, particularly since the 19th century, Laestadian Lutheranism has become a notable religious influence in the region.

Industrialization and Modern Challenges

The late 19th century industrialization of Sweden heavily relied on the natural resources of Lapland, including hydroelectric power, timber, and minerals. These industries remain foundational to the local economy, alongside public services. However, the region has faced persistent challenges with high unemployment rates and significant out-migration, particularly among younger generations seeking opportunities in larger coastal or southern cities.

Geographical Landscape

Natural Reserves and Parks

Lapland is renowned for its pristine natural environments. It hosts the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of Sweden's largest protected areas. Furthermore, the Laponian Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases exceptional natural and cultural value. The province also contains some of Northern Europe's oldest and most significant national parks, including Sarek National Park, established in 1909.

Abisko
Björnlandet
Muddus
Padjelanta
Sarek
Stora Sjöfallet
Vadvetjåkka

Arctic Phenomena

Due to its position north of the Arctic Circle, Lapland experiences distinct astronomical phenomena. The northern areas are subject to the midnight sun during summer, where daylight persists for 24 hours, and a period of polar night during winter, characterized by extended periods of twilight or darkness. These conditions profoundly influence the region's ecology and human activities.

Scale and Comparison

Lapland's extensive area of 109,702 square kilometers (approximately 42,300 square miles) is noteworthy. To provide perspective, this landmass is larger than Austria and comparable in size to Portugal. It exceeds the combined area of the Benelux countries and is more than double the size of Switzerland, highlighting its immense scale within Northern Europe.

Administration and Governance

Provincial vs. County Structure

Sweden's historical provinces, such as Lapland, do not hold administrative or political functions in the modern state. Instead, Lapland is administratively divided between two counties: Norrbotten County in the north and Västerbotten County in the south. Unlike in some other regions, residents often identify more strongly with their respective counties than the historical province.

Minority Representation and Language Rights

Individuals of Sámi descent are eligible to participate in elections for the Swedish Sámi Parliament, reflecting a degree of self-governance for indigenous affairs. The North Sámi language holds official minority status in several municipalities, including Kiruna, Gällivare, Jokkmokk, and Arjeplog. This recognition underscores the region's multicultural composition.

Municipalities within Lapland

The geographical area of Lapland encompasses several municipalities. These administrative units are key centers for local governance and services within the broader county structures.

Arjeplog
Arvidsjaur
Dorotea
Gällivare
Jokkmokk
Kiruna
Lycksele
Malå
Sorsele
Storuman
Vilhelmina
Åsele

Demographics

Population Figures

As of December 31, 2023, the total population residing within the geographical area of Swedish Lapland was recorded at 87,744 individuals. This figure reflects a relatively sparse population density across its vast territory.

Major Urban Centers

Despite its low overall population density, Lapland features several significant urban centers. The largest cities include Kiruna, Gällivare, and Lycksele, which serve as important hubs for commerce, administration, and culture within the region.

Population Density

The population density in Lapland is approximately 0.80 inhabitants per square kilometer (about 2.07 inhabitants per square mile). This low density is characteristic of large, northern territories with extensive natural landscapes and limited urbanization.

Heraldry and Symbols

The Wildman Symbol

The official coat of arms for Lapland features a "wildman" figure. Formally described in heraldic terms (blazon) as "Argent, a Wildman statant Gules wrapped with birch leaves Vert on the head and around the waist holding a Club Or over the shoulder," this symbol has historical roots dating back to the 17th century.

Historical Significance

The wildman motif first appeared in the context of royal ceremonies during the Vasa period, notably at the coronation and burial of King Charles IX of Sweden. Initially representing the untamed north, the symbol's depiction evolved over time. The addition of a count's coronet, and later a ducal coronet, signified the province's historical status and importance within the Swedish realm.

Climate Conditions

Subarctic and Polar Influences

Lapland predominantly exhibits a subarctic climate in its lower-lying areas, transitioning to a polar climate in higher elevations, such as the Tarfala research station. Mean temperatures in the warmest month (July) often remain below 10°C (50°F), indicative of its high-latitude environment.

Inland Extremes

The inland geography of Lapland significantly moderates maritime influences, leading to pronounced temperature extremes. Winters are notably harsh, while southern areas like Lycksele can experience relatively warm summers. The region's location north of the Arctic Circle dictates the presence of phenomena like the midnight sun and polar night.

Culture and Identity

National Minorities

Lapland is distinguished by its significant national minorities: the Sámi people and the Tornedalians. The Sámi are the indigenous inhabitants of the region, while the Tornedalians are descendants of Finnish speakers who remained within Swedish borders after the 1809 division.

Linguistic Heritage

The Sámi people speak various Sámi languages, with North Sámi holding official minority status in several municipalities. The Tornedalians speak Meänkieli, a distinct language that evolved from Finnish dialects but incorporated significant Swedish loanwords due to historical and geographical factors. While largely mutually intelligible with Finnish, Meänkieli is recognized as a separate language.

Swedish: The official national language.
Sámi Languages: Including North Sámi, recognized as a minority language.
Meänkieli: The language of the Tornedalians, a distinct Finnic language.

Naming Conventions and Sensitivity

The term "Lapp" is increasingly considered derogatory by the Sámi people. Consequently, there is a growing tendency to refer to the region by its county names (Norrbotten and Västerbotten) or, more broadly, by the Sámi term "Sápmi" when discussing the cultural area. This shift reflects evolving sensitivities and respect for indigenous identity.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Lapland Sweden" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about lapland_sweden while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

austin city limits

friedrich freiherr von hotze

gold

line 4 rio de janeiro

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Lapland (Sweden) Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence system for educational and informational purposes. The content is derived from publicly available data, specifically the Wikipedia article on Lapland (Sweden), and has been refined to align with an academic tone suitable for higher education students.

This is not professional advice. The information presented herein is intended for general understanding and should not substitute consultation with qualified experts in geography, history, cultural studies, or regional planning. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the source material, the AI cannot guarantee the completeness or absolute currentness of the information.

The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and expert opinions for critical decision-making.

Lapland: Sweden's Northern Frontier

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🗺️ Geographical Context

🌍 Historical Division

🌡️ Climate Characteristics

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📜 Early Settlement and Colonization

⛪ Religious Transformation

🏭 Industrialization and Modern Challenges

Geographical Landscape 🏞️

🌳 Natural Reserves and Parks

☀️ Arctic Phenomena

📏 Scale and Comparison

Administration and Governance 🏛️

⚖️ Provincial vs. County Structure

🗣️ Minority Representation and Language Rights

📍 Municipalities within Lapland

Demographics 👥

🔢 Population Figures

🏙️ Major Urban Centers

⚖️ Population Density

Heraldry and Symbols ⚜️

🦁 The Wildman Symbol

👑 Historical Significance

Climate Conditions ☁️

❄️ Subarctic and Polar Influences

🌬️ Inland Extremes

Culture and Identity 🎭

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 National Minorities

🗣️ Linguistic Heritage

🏷️ Naming Conventions and Sensitivity

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Geographical Context

Historical Division

Climate Characteristics

Historical Trajectory

Early Settlement and Colonization

Religious Transformation

Industrialization and Modern Challenges

Geographical Landscape

Natural Reserves and Parks

Arctic Phenomena

Scale and Comparison

Administration and Governance

Provincial vs. County Structure

Minority Representation and Language Rights

Municipalities within Lapland

Demographics

Population Figures

Major Urban Centers

Population Density

Heraldry and Symbols

The Wildman Symbol

Historical Significance

Climate Conditions

Subarctic and Polar Influences

Inland Extremes

Culture and Identity

National Minorities

Linguistic Heritage

Naming Conventions and Sensitivity

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice