Bornholm

Bornholm, county, south-eastern Denmark, coextensive with Bornholm Island, in the Baltic Sea, near Sweden. The area of Bornholm is 588 sq km (227 sq mi). It has a population of about 45,240 (1993 official estimate). Most of the island is a hilly, rocky plain about 82 m (270 ft) above sea level. The soil is moderately fertile and supports dairy farming, cereals (notably oats), flax, and pig rearing. Industries include the manufacture of porcelain and earthenware, weaving, clockmaking, fishing, and the quarrying of limestone, blue marble, and freestone. Some coal is mined on the western coast, mainly for local use. Major towns include Rønne, the capital, on the west coast and Nexø (Neksø), a port on the east coast. Before ad 1000 Bornholm was inhabited by Vikings. It belonged, in turn, to Denmark, the Hanseatic League, Lübeck, and Sweden. In 1660, it reverted to Danish control.