Christianstad

Christianstad, a province (laen) and its capital in the S. of Sweden. The former has an area of 2,400 square miles, principally in the valley of the Helge. The soil, though swampy in parts, is fertile, and produces hemp, flax, timber, corn, and hops. The town stands on a sort of lagoon formed by the Helge about eight miles from the Baltic, the port Ahus being at the mouth of the river. It was founded by Christian IV. of Denmark in 1614, and was the starting-point of the revolution that put Gustavus III. in power. It contains a fine church, the governor's house, a high school, an arsenal, etc., and produces woollen and leather goods, gloves, and tobacco.