Stockholm (city)

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Capital and industrial port of Sweden; population (2005 est) 1,252,000. It is built on a number of islands. Industries include engineering, brewing, electrical goods, paper, textiles, and pottery.

A network of bridges links the islands and the mainland; an underground railway was completed in 1957. The 18th-century royal palace stands on the site of the 13th-century fortress that defended the trading settlements of Lake Mälar, around which the town first developed. The old town is well preserved and has a church (1264). The town hall was designed by Ragnar Östberg 1923. The new city has been developed since 1950 with contemporary architecture. Most of Sweden's educational institutions are in Stockholm (including the Nobel Institute). The warship Wasa (built for King Gustavus Adolphus, 69 m/75 yd long and 52 m/57 yd high), which sank in the harbour 1628, was raised in 1961 and is preserved in a museum.

During the 17th century, the city was the capital of Sweden's Baltic empire.

The Star of May recalls the declaration of independence on 14 May 1811. The colours were inspired by the French tricolour. Effective date: c. 1990. >>