Småland Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Småland

Coat of arms

Country

Sweden

Land

Götaland

Counties

Kronoberg County
Kalmar County
Jönköping County
Halland County
Östergötland County

Area

• Total

29,400 km² (11,400 sq mi)

Population

(31 December 2016)

• Total

754,535

• Density

25.66/km² (66.47/sq mi)

Ethnicity

• Language

Swedish

• Dialect

Småländska

• Demonym

Smålänning

Culture

• Flower

• Animal

• Bird

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postal codes

33000–34999, 35000–36999, 38000–39999, 55000–57999, 59000–59999 (shared with Östergötland)

Area codes

0370-0372
0433
0459
0470–0478
0480–0493

Småland is a historical province in southern Sweden. It's known for its beautiful nature and rich history. The name Småland actually means Small lands. This is because it was once made up of many smaller areas that joined together.

Småland shares its borders with several other provinces. These include Blekinge, Scania, Halland, Västergötland, and Östergötland. It also lies near the island of Öland in the Baltic Sea. The highest point in Småland is Tomtabacken, which is 377 meters (about 1,237 feet) tall.

Many famous people come from Småland. One of the most well-known is the Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren. She wrote popular children's books like Pippi Longstocking. Many of her stories are set right here in Småland.

Geography and Nature in Småland
- Forests and Lakes
- Highest Point: Tomtabacken
History of Småland
- Early Settlements
- Important Historical Sites
Culture and Traditions
Images for kids
See also

Geography and Nature in Småland

Småland is a large area with diverse landscapes. It covers about 29,400 square kilometers (11,350 square miles). This makes it one of Sweden's bigger provinces.

Forests and Lakes

Småland is famous for its many forests and lakes. The forests are mostly made up of pine and spruce trees. They provide a home for many animals. The province has thousands of lakes, big and small. These lakes are great for fishing and other water activities.

Highest Point: Tomtabacken

The highest point in Småland is Tomtabacken. It stands at 377 meters above sea level. This makes it a significant landmark in the region. From its top, you can see far across the landscape.

History of Småland

Småland has a long and interesting history. It was first settled by people thousands of years ago. The name "Small lands" tells us about its past.

Early Settlements

In ancient times, Småland was not one single area. It was a collection of many small, independent "lands." Each had its own local rules and customs. Over time, these small lands slowly came together. This formed the larger province we know today.

Important Historical Sites

You can find many historical sites in Småland. These include old churches and ancient runestones. Runestones are large stones with carvings. They tell stories from the Viking Age and early medieval times. Some runestones in Småland even mention long voyages.

Culture and Traditions

Småland has a unique culture. It is known for its hardworking people and strong traditions.

Småland Dialect

People in Småland speak a special dialect of Swedish. It is called Småländska. This dialect has its own unique sounds and words.

Local Animals and Plants

Every province in Sweden has its own special symbols. For Småland, the official flower is the Twinflower. The official animal is the Otter. The official bird is the Song thrush. These symbols represent the nature of Småland.

Traditional Crafts

Småland is also known for its traditional crafts. One famous craft is making Windsor chairs. These chairs are produced in large numbers here. You can also see many traditional red farmhouses. They often have white corners. This is a common style in Småland.

Images for kids

An image from a canyon in the forested Småland.
Camping site in Småland
A backstuga in småland (ca 1900)
Traditional Windsor chairs are manufactured in great numbers in Småland.
Ingatorp Old Church, Småland, Sweden, ca. 1895
Farmhouses in Småland are typically red with white corners.
The small lands of Småland. The black and red spots indicate runestones. The red spots indicate runestones telling of long voyages.
A Smålandströvare (Smaland hound)
HSwMS Småland, J19