drains Vänern to the east shore and the Kattegat strait; along the river several important cities and towns have been situated for centuries.

The average rainfall is 900 mm near the coast and 600 mm in the plains. The average temperature is -1 °C in January and 15 °C in July.

* Highest mountain: Galtåsen 362 meters (1188')
* National parks: Tiveden, Djurö

Population