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.
For current affairs see: Jämtland County Jamtland makes up three quarters of the Swedish province Jämtland County, and is almost entirely contained within its boundaries.
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Unofficial flag of the self-styled "Republic of Jämtland". |
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.
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Beautiful summer scenery in Jämtland |
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Lakes and mountains typical of Jämtland |
Jamtland was historically divided into one
chartered city and several districts.
Cities & Towns
*
Östersund (
1786)
*
Krokom*
Järpen**
Åre*
Hammarstrand*
Svenstavik*
Bräcke*
StrömsundDistricts
Facts
*Highest mountain: Storsylen, 1.762
meters1*Other mountains:
Åreskutan, 1420 meters
*Largest lake:
Storsjön1The peak of the mountain is actually located a few meters into
Norway, which makes the 1.728 meter summit (named
Storsola) of
Templet, another mountain in the
Sylarna massif, the highest point within the borders of the province proper.
*
Ann-Margret, actress, singer
*
Wilhelm Peterson-Berger, composer
*
Ulf Dahlén, hockey player
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.
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.English translation:
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.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)
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Jamtland - Official tourist site of Jämtland & Härjedalen
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Experience Winter in Jämtland Härjedalen - Tourist info
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Jamtland - history and language
