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Ostrobothnia, Österbotten (literally "East (of) Bottom / the Gulf of Bothnia") or Pohjanmaa (literally "Bottom land / soil / ground"), is a historical province to the north in Finland. It borders to Karelia, Savonia, Tavastia and Satakunda in the south, and to Westrobothnia and Laponia in the north. It is also bounded by Russia in the east and the Gulf of Bothnia in the west.
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Map highlighting the location of Ostrobothnia
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Government
For current affairs see: Western Finland, Uleåborg and Lapland
Ostrobothnia is divided between the administrative provinces of Western Finland, Uleåborg, and Lapland.
History
Main article: History of Ostrobothnia
The earliest human presence in Ostrobothnia is represented by the 120.000 year old settlement near Kristinestad. Modern humans arrived 9000 years ago, as soon as the ice sheet disappeared and enough land had risen above sea level. A complex hunter gatherer society emerged along the coast. During the Bronze and Iron Ages an agrarian economy society eventually replaced earlier structures in southern Ostrobotnia, whereas traditional economies survived much longer in the northern and inland locations. During the Middle Ages Ostrobotnia was christianized and connected to the Swedish state. The Swedish crown established Korsholm as the administrative centre. Large parts were colonized due to rapid population increase. The first towns were estblished in the 17th century. In 1809 Ostrobothnia was separated from Sweden along with the rest of Finland.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Ostrobothnia
Culture
Main article: Culture of Ostrobothnia
Heraldry
Main article: Heraldry of Ostrobothnia
The arms is crowned by a count's coronet, though by Finnish tradition this more resembles a Swedish baron's coronet. Blazon: "Azure, six ermines courant argent, tail-tips sable."
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