The first Stone Age settlers came to Gotland about 7 000 years ago, and many traces of their dwelling-places can still be seen. From the Bronze Age there are an abundance of large stone cairns and stone ship graves. During the Viking era the merchants and wealthy farmers of Gotland were active participants in the midst of world trade for 500 years. Vast treasures were accumulated on the island. Well-preserved stone churches (over ninety in number), were constructed during the Middle Ages. Gradually the burghers of Visby overtook the farmers' trade. Visby became a town with strong German interests and a member of the Hanseatic League. During the late Middle Ages, trade declined, diminishing Gotland's position. The Danish king, Valdemar Atterdag's conquest of Gotland in 1361 marked the final turning point. Gotland became thereafter, after different periods of Danish, Swedish and German rule, finally Swedish in 1679.

Population

At present there are just over 58 000 inhabitants on Gotland, representing 0,7% of the population of Sweden. The population of Gotland declined dramatically through migration from the island during the 1940's and 50's. However since 1965 Gotland has had a population increase almost every year due in large to more people moving in than out. The expansion of the public sector has been one contributory factor.

Gotland's insular position promotes strong local ties and loyalty to Gotlandish traditions, history and culture among its inhabitants, natives as well as newcomers, giving rise to a very strong regional identity and a firm resolve to remain on the island. There is, therefore, a long tradition of local commitment on Gotland. Different kinds of organisations such as folklore and parish societies, rural development groups, sports clubs and popular movements, etc. remain vigorous on the island.

Nature and Culture

Gotland encompasses many kinds of nature, from thick virgin forests and open barren alvar areas, over steep cliff coastlines and soft sandy beaches, to fertile farming communities and mighty "rauk", stone sea-stacks. The lime content in the bedrock generates a very special flora. Gotland possesses a long and interesting cultural history as well. This is noticeable not only in the special and well-preserved building culture but also in the Gotlandish lanscape. Alongside this stands the venerable city of Visby with a well-preserved 3,5 km long ring-wall from the 13th century and a medieval core. Because of its unique cultural values, the Hanseatic town of Visby has been designated by UNESCO as a part of the World Heritage.

Economy

The structure of the economy differs markedly from that of the rest of the country. The most pronounced difference is seen in the high proportion of people employed in the agriculture and forestry sector and in the public sector.

Agriculture is dominated by family farms and focuses mainly on animal husbandry and vegetable cultivation. Traditional Gotlandish industrial production is based on local products such as agricultural products, limestone and lumber. However, the largest individual sector today is the engineering industry. The food-processing industry is well-represented on the island. Most facilities are relatively modern, partly with capacity in excess of what is required to process raw materials from Gotland. Tourism is vitally important for Gotland.

The Future

There must be an increase in population in order to retain and develop the level of service on Gotland, both in terms of quantity and quality. Gotland also needs more employment opportunities, to replace lost jobs, to reduce unemployment, and for new residents.

Gotland's plan for the future, Vision Gotland 2010 is focused therefore on strengthening business and creating more employment opportunities. Some of the suggested measures are developing small entrepre-neurship, creating preconditions for increased tourism, strengthening Gotland's position as a meeting place and intensifying efforts towards the creation of a society geared to ecological cycles.

Datasheet