Smalandia, or Småland (literally "Small Countries"), is a historical Province in southern Sweden. It borders to Blechingia, Scania, Hallandia, Westrogothia, Ostrogothia and the island province of Oelandia, which is in the Baltic Sea.
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2 History 3 Geography 4 Culture 5 Heraldry 6 External links |
The province of Smalandia is divided upon the counties of Kronoberg, Kalmar and Jönköping.
In the 19th century, Smalandia was characterized by poverty, and had a larger portion of emigrants than other parts of Sweden. The majority of emigrants ended up in Minnesota, which has a geography resembling that of the homeland, mixing arable land with forest and lakes.
In the 20th century, Smalandia has been known for its high level of entrepreneurship and low unemployment. Maybe the hard conditions has forced the inhabitants of the region to invent and cooperate. Most notably, the worldwide furniture store chain IKEA was started here in the 1950s by Ingvar Kamprad, who still owns and controls the privately held venture.
The geography is dominated by a forested high plain where the soil is mixed with sand and small boulders, making the area less suited for agriculture than the surrounding parts of Sweden.
Traditionally a historical province is representative of a separate country before the unification of Sweden. Småland however consists of several smaller countries in one single province. The name Småland literally means small countries.
The historical small countries of Smalandia:
The Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus or Carl von Linné (1707-1778), often called the father of taxonomy or king of flowers, was born in Småland. The provincial flower Linnea (Latin: Linnea Borealis, English: Twinflower) is named after him.
The emigration venture of the 19th century is best depicted in the suite of novels by Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg, which is also the basis for the musical Kristina from Duvemåla by ex-ABBA musicians/composers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
Childrens book author Astrid Lindgren often portrayed sceneries from her own childhood growing up on a farm in Smalandia, in her writing.
The current coat of arms was granted in 1569 and pictures a rampant red lion on a golden shield carrying a crossbow. The arms is represented with a dukal coronet. Blazon: "Or a lion rampant Gules langued and armed Azure holding in front paws a Crossbow of the second bowed and stringed Sable with a bolt Argent."
Counties
For current affairs see: Counties of Kronoberg, Kalmar and JönköpingHistory
Main article: History of SmalandiaGeography
Main article: Geography of Smalandia
Red houses with white corners are a typical characteristic of farmers houses in Smalandia.Culture
Main article: Culture of SmalandiaHeraldry
Main article: Heraldry of SmalandiaExternal links