halland

Halland is a county (län) in southwestern Sweden, located on the Kattegat coast. The administrative seat is Halmstad, and other important towns include Varberg and Kungsbacka. The county borders Västra Götaland County to the north and Skåne County to the southeast, with its western edge facing the Kattegat and featuring coastal archipelagos and beaches.

Historically, Halland formed part of Denmark for many centuries and was ceded to Sweden in 1645 under the Brömsebro Treaty. The traditional province of Halland corresponds roughly to the borders of the modern county, sharing cultural and historical links with the region.

Geography and economy: The interior comprises flat, fertile agricultural land and forests, while the coast offers beaches and offshore archipelagos. The economy blends services, manufacturing, and agriculture, with significant activity in fruit growing and horticulture, tourism, and light industry. Notable sights include Varberg Fortress and the Grimeton Transmitter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getterön nature reserve near Varberg is a popular destination for birdwatching.

Governance and transport: Halland is governed by Region Halland and the County Administrative Board. Transport infrastructure includes the E6 highway and coastal rail links, along with Halmstad Airport providing domestic flights and some international services.

Demography and culture: The county has around 320,000 residents. Swedish is spoken, and the region hosts cultural events, museums, and nature-oriented recreation along its coastline.