Sjælland

Sjælland, or Zealand in English, is the largest and most populous island of Denmark, located in the Baltic Sea. It covers about 7,000 square kilometers and is home to roughly 2.3 million people. The island includes Copenhagen, the Danish capital, on its eastern coast and serves as the country’s political and economic center. Administratively, Sjælland is part of the Capital Region (Region Hovedstaden) and Region Zealand (Region Sjælland), with numerous municipalities.

Geography and environment: The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, shaped by glacial activity. The coastlines vary from low-lying shores to bays and cliffs in some areas. The island is bordered to the west by the Great Belt, which links it to Funen, and to the northeast by the Øresund, across which lies Sweden.

History and culture: The area has been inhabited since late Stone Age times. Notable historic sites include Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, the Renaissance fortress widely associated with Hamlet, and Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Danish monarchs. Roskilde also hosts the Viking Ship Museum. The island has a long maritime and trading heritage and supports several universities and research institutions.

Economy and transport: The economy is dominated by services, public administration, education, and healthcare, with agriculture remaining significant in rural areas. Transport links include the Great Belt Fixed Link to Funen and the Øresund Bridge to Sweden; Copenhagen’s international airport lies nearby. The island is served by rail and road networks, ferries, and various urban and regional transport services.