Västergötland

Västergötland is one of Sweden's 25 traditional provinces (landskap). It lies in the southwest of the country and forms part of the broader region of Götaland. The name means 'west Geats' and refers to the historic Geatish people who inhabited the area. The province has a varied landscape, with forests, agricultural land and several large lakes, including Vänern along its eastern edge and, to the south, parts of Vättern. The Göta river and canal system run through the region, and Trollhättan’s falls and canal facilities are notable engineering landmarks.

In historic times Västergötland played a central role in the formation of medieval Sweden. Skara, with Skara Cathedral, was an important ecclesiastical center, and other towns such as Borås, Lidköping, Skövde and Trollhättan developed around trade, crafts and transport routes. The region’s toponymy, churches and rural architecture reflect a long continuity of settlement.

Today the area largely corresponds to the western part of Västra Götaland County, though the concept of landskap remains a cultural and historical reference. The economy is diversified, with manufacturing, services, agriculture and forestry. The province remains influential in Swedish cultural geography as the historical heartland of the western Geats.