Vilhelmina Municipality facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vilhelmina Municipality
Vilhelmina kommun
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Looking across Volgsjön on a summer morning
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| Country | Sweden | |
| County | Västerbotten County | |
| Seat | Vilhelmina | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 8,794.95 km2 (3,395.75 sq mi) | |
| • Land | 8,120.18 km2 (3,135.22 sq mi) | |
| • Water | 674.77 km2 (260.53 sq mi) | |
| Area as of January 1, 2010. | ||
| Population
(June 30, 2012)
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| • Total | 7,136 | |
| • Density | 0.81137/km2 (2.10145/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| ISO 3166 code | SE | |
| Province | Lapland | |
| Municipal code | 2462 | |
| Website | www.vilhelmina.se | |
Vilhelmina Municipality (which is Vilhelmina kommun in Swedish and Vualtjeren tjïelte in South Sami) is a special area in northern Sweden. It's located in Västerbotten County. The main town and administrative center of this municipality is Vilhelmina.
Contents
History of Vilhelmina Municipality
Let's look at how Vilhelmina Municipality got its name and how it changed over time.
How Vilhelmina Got Its Name
Back in 1804, an area called the parish of Volgsjö was given a new name: Vilhelmina. This was done to honor Queen Frederica Dorothea Wilhelmina of Sweden. She was an important royal figure at the time.
Changes Over the Years
In 1947, the town of Vilhelmina became separate from the surrounding rural area. It formed its own "market town" (called köping in Swedish). This meant it had its own local government. However, in 1965, the town and the rural municipality joined back together. They have been one combined municipality ever since.
Exploring Vilhelmina's Geography
Vilhelmina Municipality is located in a part of Sweden known as Norrland. This northern region is famous for its beautiful, untouched nature.
Nature and Wildlife
Because of its cold climate, not many people live here. But this makes it a perfect place for those who love wildlife and exploring nature that hasn't been changed by humans. You can find vast forests, lakes, and mountains.
Main Town in Vilhelmina
There is only one main urban area, or "locality," in Vilhelmina Municipality. This is where most people live and where the main services are found.
| # | Locality | Population |
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| 1 | Vilhelmina | 3,633 |
Culture and Traditions
Vilhelmina Municipality has a unique culture, especially known for its summer festival.
The Hembygdsdagarna Vilhelmina Festival
Every July, the town of Vilhelmina hosts a special festival called Hembygdsdagarna Vilhelmina. This festival is a big celebration of local heritage and traditions.
Music and Parades
During the festival, you can enjoy performances of both popular and traditional folk music. A very special tradition is that a local couple who are engaged to be married is chosen each year. They get to have their wedding during the festival!
A Public Wedding Celebration
The engaged couple leads a parade through town. Fiddlers and other people dressed in traditional Swedish clothes join them. They all walk to the church, where the wedding ceremony takes place. Anyone who wants to can come and watch the wedding. Sometimes, it's hard to find a couple willing to get married publicly. In those years, they still have the parade, but instead of a wedding, they hold a public church service.
