Jämtland
Encyclopedia : J : JM : JMT : Jämtland
[Jämtland] , is a historical province or landskap in the center of Sweden. It borders onto Härjedalen, Medelpad, Ångermanland, Lapland and Norway. The Northern Scandinavian dialect Jamtlandic is traditionally spoken in the province, if not widely used in daily life nowadays.
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The provinces of Sweden with Blechingia highlighted
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County
For current affairs see: Jämtland CountyJamtland makes up three quarters of the Swedish province Jämtland County, and is almost entirely contained within its boundaries.
History
Jamtland was historically an independent kingless state governed by the annual thing called Jamtamót, but was defeated in 1178 by king Sverre of Norway after losing the Battle at the ice of Storsjön. This was the last war fought by the people of Jamtland under their own elected leaders. In 1645 the then Danish-Norwegian province was ceded to Sweden by the Treaty of Brömsebro.
Republic of Jämtland
In the 1960's, an independence movement calling itself the "Republic of Jämtland" was created by Swedish humorist/actor/director Yngve Gamlin. Motivated on paper as an attempt to return the province to Jamtish control, the republic was given some form of recognition in 1967 when Mr. Gamlin was invited to an event for visiting statesmen hosted by Swedish prime minister Tage Erlander. Described in some sources as a form of criticism against centralized swedish government and in others as a marketing ploy, it is likely that both played some part in the movements foundation. The republic has a self-styled flag and the independence movement hosts the annual Storsjöyran event.
Geography
Jamtland was historically divided into one chartered city and several districts.
Cities & Towns
Districts
Facts
- Highest mountain: Storsylen, 1.762 meters1
- Other mountains: Åreskutan, 1420 meters
- Largest lake: Storsjön
Natives
- Ann-Margret, actress, singer
- Wilhelm Peterson-Berger, composer
- Ulf Dahlén, hockey player
Culture
A local dog, Jämthund, is a canine breed, named after the province. Since the end of the last ice age, the dogs have been friends and helpers of man. Even if it is not explicitly stated, popular perception holds that the dog depicted in the coat of arms is of that breed.
According to legend it is believed that Storsjön (literally the Large Lake) harbors a large lake creature, Storsjöodjuret. There are witness reports but the creature’s existence remains to be established conclusively. Regardless of any proven existence, Storsjöodjuret was officially placed under the protection of a degree issued in 1986 by the County Administrative Board in order to guarantee its safety from hunters and fortune seekers.
Heraldry
The arm is represented with a ducal coronet. Blazon:- Azure moose passant argent armed gules attacked from behind by a falcon volant and from in front by a dog rampant to the sinister or.
- On a blue background, a silver moose walks with a reared falcon on its back and a hound on its haunches, facing the left. Both animals are fashioned in gold.
Dukes of Jämtland
Since 1772, Swedish Princes have been appointed Dukes of various Swedish provinces. This is solely a nominal title.- Crown Prince Carl Gustaf (from his birth in 1946 until he became King in 1973)
External links
- [Jamtland] - Official tourist site of Jämtland & Härjedalen
- [Experience Winter in Jämtland Härjedalen] - Tourist info
- [Jamtland - history and language]
| Provinces of Sweden |
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|---|---|
| Ångermanland | Bohuslän | Blekinge | Dalarna | Dalsland | Gästrikland | Gotland | Halland | Hälsingland | Härjedalen | Jämtland | Lapland | Medelpad | Norrbotten | Närke | Öland | Östergötland | Skåne | Småland | Södermanland | Uppland | Värmland | Västmanland | Västerbotten | Västergötland | |
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