Medelpad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Medelpad
|
||
|---|---|---|
|
||
 |
||
| Country | Sweden | |
| Land | Norrland | |
| Counties | Västernorrland County | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 7,058 km2 (2,725 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2009)
|
||
| • Total | 123,397 | |
| • Density | 17.4833/km2 (45.281/sq mi) | |
| Ethnicity | ||
| • Language | Swedish (North Swedish) | |
| Culture | ||
| • Flower | Spruce | |
| • Animal | Mountain Hare | |
| • Bird | Small crossbill | |
| • Fish | Perch | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
Medelpad is a historical province located in the northern part of Sweden. It's known for its beautiful natural areas and important rivers. The two major rivers flowing through Medelpad are Ljungan and Indalsälven. This region is part of the larger area called Norrland and belongs to Västernorrland County. Medelpad covers an area of about 7,058 square kilometers and is home to over 123,000 people.
Contents
Discover Medelpad: A Swedish Province
Medelpad is one of Sweden's 25 historical provinces. These provinces are like traditional regions that have existed for a long time. They are different from the modern counties that Sweden uses for government and administration today. Medelpad is located right in the middle of Sweden, which is actually how it got its name. "Medel" means "middle" in Swedish.
Where is Medelpad Located?
Medelpad is found on the eastern coast of Sweden. It stretches from the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia inland. The province is part of Västernorrland County, which is one of the larger counties in Sweden. Being in Norrland, Medelpad experiences distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers.
Nature and Wildlife in Medelpad
Medelpad is a place with lots of forests, rivers, and lakes. The two main rivers, Ljungan and Indalsälven, are very important. They have shaped the landscape over thousands of years. These rivers are also used for generating hydroelectricity, which is clean energy from water power.
The province has a rich variety of plants and animals.
- The official flower of Medelpad is the Spruce. Spruce trees are very common in the forests here.
- The official animal is the Mountain Hare. These hares are known for changing their fur color from brown in summer to white in winter. This helps them hide in the snow.
- The official bird is the Small Crossbill. This bird has a unique beak that crosses at the tip, perfect for eating seeds from pine cones.
- The official fish is the Perch. Perch are common freshwater fish found in the lakes and rivers of Medelpad.
A Glimpse into Medelpad's History
People have lived in Medelpad for a very long time. There are signs of human activity dating back to the Stone Age. In ancient times, the rivers were like highways, helping people travel and trade. During the Middle Ages, Medelpad became an important area for trade and farming.
One of the most important historical events for Medelpad was the rise of the timber industry. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, logging and sawmills became very important. The rivers were used to float logs down to the coast, where they were processed and shipped. This industry helped many towns in Medelpad grow.
People and Culture
The people of Medelpad speak Swedish, like most of Sweden. However, they might have a slightly different accent or local words, which is part of the "North Swedish" dialect. The culture here is influenced by the natural environment and the history of forestry and farming.
The largest city in Medelpad is Sundsvall. Sundsvall is an important center for business, education, and culture in the region. It's a modern city with a lot of history, including a famous stone city center that was rebuilt after a big fire in 1888.
See also
In Spanish: Medelpad para niños
