UmeƄ
UmeĆ„, town and capital of VƤsterbotten lƤn (county), northeastern Sweden. It lies on the left bank of the UmeĆ„ River near the Gulf of Bothnia. It has long been an educational and cultural centre for northern Sweden. In 1622 it was incorporated by Gustav II Adolf. After suffering several destructive fires, especially in 1888, it was largely rebuilt. It is a commercial centre and port and manufactures furniture and machinery; it also has sawmills, the products of which are exported from its foreport, Holmsund. UmeĆ„ University (1965) has a sizable school of medicine. An open-air museum in the town has exhibits and collections illustrating the areaās past. Pop. (2005 est.) mun., 110,758.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
UmeƄ
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
19 June 2014
Access Date:
November 14, 2026