Saamiland

Saamiland, region, extending across the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Most of Saamiland is north of the Arctic Circle. The western portion is an area of fjords, deep valleys, glaciers, and mountains, the highest point being Mount Kebnekaise (2,111 m/ 6,926 ft), in Swedish Saamiland. Farther east, the terrain is that of a low plateau, containing many marshes and lakes, the most important of which is Inarijärvi, in Finnish Saamiland. The extreme eastern section lies within the tundra region. The climate is arctic and vegetation is sparse, except in the densely forested southern portion. Saamiland contains valuable mineral deposits, particularly iron ore in Sweden, copper in Norway, and nickel and apatite in Russia. Reindeer, wolf, bear, and sea and land fowl are the main forms of animal life. Sea and river fisheries abound in the region. Steamers operate on some of the lakes, and a few ports are ice-free throughout the year.

Most inhabitants of Saamiland are Saami, who speak a Finno-Ugric language also known as Saami. The Saami are descended from nomadic peoples who have lived in Scandinavia for thousands of years. Traditionally, the Saami hunted, fished, and herded reindeer, living in tents and migrating with their herds. The nomadic way of life has virtually disappeared, however. Most Saami today live in modern, permanent homes in scattered settlements on the coast and fjords, and at the heads of valleys or on well-stocked lakes. A majority of the Saami live in Norway. Many Saami work in industries such as forestry and mining, and in services such as government administration, education, and health care. However, about 10 percent of the Saami still herd reindeer for a living. The Saami were conquered by the Vikings in the 9th century ad and by the Russians in the 11th century. Between the 13th and the 17th centuries they were ruled by Sweden.

Area, about 390,000 sq km (about 150,000 sq mi).