Westrobothnia, or Västerbotten, is a historical Province or landskap in the north of Sweden. It borders to Angermannia, Laponia, Ostrobothnia and the Gulf of Bothnia, until early 20th century. Northern Westrobothnia, is on occasion considered to be a separate traditional province called Norrbotten.

Västerbotten Länsipohja Land Norrland Government in Sweden Norrbotten County Västerbotten County Government in Finland Lapland Province Area - km² Map highlighting the location of Westrobothnia

Westrobothnia Provincial flower - Swedish - Latin Mountain avens - Kung Karls spira - Pedicularis Sceptrum-carolinum Provincial bird Curlew Provincial fish Lamprey

Government

For current affairs see: Västerbotten County, Norrbotten County, and Lapland Province

The southern part of Westrobothnia (15,093 km²) makes up the eastern part of the Västerbotten County. The northern part, sometimes known simply as Norrbotten, is located in the Norrbotten County and the Finnish part is located in the administrative province of Lapland.

History

Main article: History of Westrobothnia

Following the Finnish War in 1809 the province of Westrobothnia was separated into a Swedish and a Finnish part. The main part of the province of Westrobothnia which remained within Swedish borders was divided upon Västerbotten County and Norrbotten County. Luleå, Piteå, Haparanda and Boden are located in Norrbotten County. Westrobothnia Regiment was the provincial regiment.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Westrobothnia

Westrobothnia was historically divided into chartered cities and districts.

Cities

• Luleå (1621)
• Piteå (1621)
• Umeå (1622)
• Skellefteå (1845)
• Haparanda (1848)
• Boden (1919)

Districts

Burträsk Court District Bygdeå Court District Degerfors Court District Lower Kalix Court District Upper Kalix Court District Korpilombolo Court District Lövånger Court District Lower Luleå Court District Upper Luleå Court District

Norsjö and Malå Court District Nysätra Court District Pajala Court District Piteå Court District Råneå Court District Skellefteå Court District Lower Torneå Court District Upper Torneå Court District Umeå Court District

Facts

• Highest mountain: Åmliden 550 meters
• Largest lake: Bygdeträsket
• National parks: Haparanda Skärgård

Culture

Main article: Culture of Westrobothnia

The etymology of Västerbotten is literally Western Bothnia, as in West of the Gulf of Bothnia. The Church Village of Gammelstad outside Luleå has been named a UNESCO World heritage site.

Heraldry

Main article: Heraldry of Westrobothnia

On January 18, 1884 all provinces gained the rights to the rank of duchy and the arms can be represented with a dukal coronet. Blazon: "Azure Seme of Mullets Or a Reindeer in full course Argent attired and hoofed Gules."

Dukes of Westrobothnia

Since 1772, Swedish Princes have been created Dukes of various provinces. This is solely a nominal title.

• Prince Gustaf Adolf (1906-1947)

External links

• Västerbotten.se (http://www.vasterbotten.se/)
• Västerbotten.net (http://www.vasterbotten.net/)

la:Westrobotnia hu:Västerbotten tartomány sv:Västerbotten