Zealand

Zealand is the English name for Sjælland, the largest island of Denmark. Located in the eastern Baltic region, it forms the heart of the country and includes the national capital, Copenhagen, which lies on its eastern coast. The island is part of Region Zealand (Region Sjælland) and encompasses several major towns such as Roskilde, Helsingør, and Næstved. With fertile farmland, significant ports, and dense urban centers, Zealand is a central hub for Danish politics, economy, and culture.

Geographically, Zealand is bordered by the Baltic Sea and the Øresund Strait, and is connected to Funen by the Great Belt Fixed Link and to southern Sweden by the Øresund Bridge. The island’s coastline features harbors, beaches, and historic sites; notable landmarks include Kronborg Castle in Helsingør and Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Zealand has a long history dating to the late Stone Age and rose to prominence as the core of the Danish realm from the Viking era onward. Its capital area has shaped Danish governance, trade, and culture through universities, museums, and a cosmopolitan urban environment. The island remains a focal point for transportation, industry, and tourism in Denmark.

Historically, the English-language term Zealand may also appear in reference to the former Dutch province Zeeland, from which the name of New Zealand was derived (Nieuw Zeeland). This linguistic connection underscores the broader use of the name beyond the Danish island.