Realm of Sweden

The Realm of Sweden or "Svenska väldet" is a term that historically was used to comprise all the territories under the control of the Swedish monarchs.

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Lands of Sweden

In the 9th century Svealand, which is the historical core region of Sweden, expanded southwards, conquering Gothia. Later in the 11th century Sweden also expanded to the east conquering the parts which came to be called Österland, present-day Finland, through crusades. Norrland was made a part of the kingdom in the 16th century. In the 17th century the kingdom expanded to the south and east, except for short-period holdings in Norway, incorporating Scania, Blekinge, Halland and Bohuslän as well as Pomerania. On the other side of the Baltic Sea Kexholm County, Ingria and present day Latvia was also incorporated.

Provinces of Sweden

The four Swedish lands were in turn divided into separate Provinces or "Landskap", which were governed by their own laws under the rule of a Ting. The monarchs would gradually strengthen their authority at the expense of the provinces, and in the 15th century the provincial laws were replaced by a single law for the entire kingdom.

Counties of Sweden

The Counties were established in 1634 to supersede the Provinces and to introduce a modern administration. The most significant change to the County system took place when Sweden was forced to cede the Finnish Counties to Russia in 1809. Despite this the County reform survived in Finland until 1997 and is still in force in Sweden today.

Dominions of Sweden

The Counties and Provinces represent territories that were fully integrated into the Swedish kingdom. Apart from this there also existed Dominions that were under Swedish rule, sometimes for centuries, that for various reasons weren't fully integrated.

Possessions of Sweden

The Swedish Crown also exercised control over various territories during shorter periods of time. These included time-limited fiefs, colonies and conquered territories under Swedish government.

Unions of Sweden

Sweden has for political and dynastic reasons been in union with other kingdoms and princely states, ostensibly personal unions.

Structure of the Swedish Realm

1/ German dominions also include Bremen-Verden, Wismar, etc. Claims to Wismar finally renounced in 1903.