Smalandia
Smalandia, or Småland (literally "Small Countries"), is a traditional province in southern Sweden. It borders to Blechingia, Scania, Hallandia, Westrogothia, Ostrogothia and the island province of Oelandia, which is in the Baltic Sea.
| ||||||||||||||
| Table of contents |
|
2 History 3 Geography 4 Culture 5 Heraldry 6 External Links |
The province of Smalandia is divided into the County of Kronoberg, the County of Kalmar and the County of 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. The emigration/immigration venture 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.
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 litterally 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 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: The Counties of Kronoberg, Kalmar or JönköpingHistory
Main article: History of SmalandiaGeography
Main article: Geography of SmalandiaCulture
Main article: Culture of Smalandia
Red houses with white knots are very typical characteristic of farmers houses in Smalandia.
Heraldry
Main article: Heraldry of Smalandia
