Orust Municipality
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Orusts kommun | |
|---|---|
| County | Västra Götaland County |
| Province | Bohuslän |
| Seat | Henån |
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| Area • Total area • Land area |
217th of 290 393.49 km² 389.01 km² |
| Population • Total |
146th of 290 15,185 inhabitants |
| Density • Total |
111th of 290 39.0 inhabitants/km² |
| Website | http://www.orust.se/ |
| Area & population from SCB as of December 31, 2006 | |
Orust Municipality (Orusts kommun) is a municipality in Västra Götaland County in western Sweden. Its seat is located in the town of Henån, with an approximate population of 1,800.
The municipality includes Sweden's third largest island Orust and some other small adjacent islets. The population of around 15,000 increases significantly in the summer due to all summer vacationers.
The former municipal entities on the island Orust and adjacent minor islands were grouped into larger units in 1952 and united into a single municipality in connection with the nation-wide municipal reform of 1971.
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[edit] History
Historically, the area has been inhabited for thousands of years, as evident by ancient remains such as tombs, grave fields and rock carvings. From the Viking Age, runestones are plenty.
In the Nordisk familjebok the island of Orust is mentioned as a Geatish territory. Ramshult (the modern Swedish form), a hillfort, is mentioned in Beowulf as Hrefnesholt, the Geatish hillfort which became the prison of Onela, Ohthere and their mother until their rescue by Ongenþeow.
[edit] Sights
The geography offers several sights, with a couple of picturesque small towns. There is a nature reserve called Morlanda with a look out point offering a good view.
[edit] Industry
Industry wise, the area has always been dominated by fishing and boat production. Shipyard Hallberg-Rassy is the largerst employer nowadays. Its ship yard is located in Ellös, in the north-west part of the island, and it has a significant export of sailing boats. The second largest employer is Najad-varvet, also a shipyard.
[edit] See also
- Orust Eastern Hundred, historical hundred
- Orust Western Hundred, historical hundred
- Varekilsnäs, most southern village on Orust
[edit] External links
- Orust Municipality - Official site
- Orust map - From the official site
[edit] Sources
- Please see corresponding article on Swedish and German Wikipedia.
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