Ostrobothnia, Österbotten (literally "East (of) Bottom / the Gulf of Bothnia") or Pohjanmaa (literally "Bottom land / soil / ground"), is a historical province to the north in Finland. It borders to Karelia, Savonia, Tavastia and Satakunda in the south, and to Westrobothnia in Sweden, and Laponia in the north. It is also bounded by Russia in the east and the Gulf of Bothnia in the west.

Government

For current affairs see: Western Finland, Uleåborg and Lapland

In modern Finland, the area of Ostrobothnia is divided between the administrative provinces of Western Finland, Oulu, and Lapland.

History

Main article: History of Ostrobothnia

The earliest human presence in Ostrobothnia is represented by the 120.000 year old settlement near Kristinestad. Modern humans arrived 9000 years ago, as soon as the ice sheet disappeared and enough land had risen above sea level. A complex hunter gatherer society emerged along the coast. During the Bronze and Iron Ages an agrarian economy society eventually replaced earlier structures in southern Ostrobothnia, whereas traditional economies survived much longer in the northern and inland locations. During the Middle Ages Ostrobothnia was invaded by the Swedish state. The Swedish crown established Korsholm as the administrative centre. Large parts were colonized due to rapid population increase. The first towns were estblished in the 17th century. In 1809 Ostrobothnia was separated from Sweden along with the rest of Finland.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Ostrobothnia

Culture

Main article: Culture of Ostrobothnia

Heraldry

Main article: Heraldry of Ostrobothnia

The arms is crowned by a count's coronet, though by Finnish tradition this more resembles a Swedish baron's coronet. Blazon: "Azure, six ermines courant argent, tail-tips sable."

External Links

• WOLF CAVE - Varggrottan - Susiluola A Pre-Ice Age Archaeological Find in Lappfjärd, Finland

• Municipalities and administrative regions in Northern Ostrobothnia