Scania
A Region in Europe
GEOGRAPHY - LEGAL STATUS - HISTORY
A short summary of Scania/Skåneland - its
history, geography and culture. A short description of the langugae, flag
and other symbols. Its legal and political status in Sweden.
A short summary
Geography, symbols and legal status
Scania (Skåneland) is situated on the southern part of the Scandinavian
peninsula. Its area covers about 21,000 sq. kilometres. The historic Scania
consists of four provinces - Skåne, Halland, Blekinge (today part of Sweden)
and the Island of Bornholm (today part of Denmark). The present day
population of Scania is about 1.5 millions. Neither the Territory of Scania
nor the Scanians have any legal status in the State of Sweden. The Scanian
language is not recognised by the State and is not subjected to sufficient
legal protection.
History
The history of the Scanian people dates back almost two millenniums, its
first known king to address himself as "Rex Scaniæ" emerges around the year
380. Scania has had a long period of independence but has also, during more
than 800 years, been part of Denmark. In 1658 Scania was annexed to Sweden
through the Peace Treaty of Roskilde after four hundred years of military
invasion attempts.
The last major war on Scanian soil took place in 1676 although military interventions took place until 1811. The Roskilde Treaty contains a clause guaranteeing Scania self rule with the right to its own legislature. The self rule was unilaterally nullified by Sweden in 1720 and the parliamentarian functions moved to Stockholm.
During the period after the invasion in 1658, large amounts of important artefacts and cultural objects from Denmark were confiscated by Sweden and transported to Stockholm where they still are stored at various palaces and museums in the area. One significant item is King Fredrik II's table canopy and the associated suite of tapestries from Kronborg. The objects were confiscated during the occupation of Sjælland and is nowadays stored at the palace of Gripsholm in Stockholm.
©
SSF