Kalmar
Kalmar (/ˈkælmɑːr/, US also /ˈkɑːlmɑːr/, Swedish: [ˈkǎlmar] ⓘ) is a city in the southeast of Sweden, situated by the Baltic Sea. It had 36,392 inhabitants in 2010 and is the seat of Kalmar Municipality. It is also the capital of Kalmar County, which comprises 12 municipalities with a total of 236,399 inhabitants (2015). Kalmar is the third largest urban area in the province and cultural region of Småland.
Kalmar | |
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Clockwise from top: aerial view of the Kalmar Cathedral, Kalmar Castle, the old water tower in central Kalmar, Öland Bridge and the water tower in Berga. | |
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Coat of arms | |
Kalmar Kalmar | |
| Coordinates: 56°39′41″N 16°21′46″E | |
| Country | Sweden |
| Province | Småland |
| County | Kalmar County |
| Municipality | Kalmar Municipality |
| Charter | 1100 |
| Area | |
| • City | 19.50 km2 (7.53 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 8 m (26 ft) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • City | 41,852 |
| • Density | 1,866/km2 (4,830/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 72,098 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 39x xx |
| Area code | (+46) 480 |
| Website | kalmar |
From the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, Kalmar was one of Sweden's most important cities. Between 1602 and 1913 it was the episcopal see of Kalmar Diocese, with a bishop, and the Kalmar Cathedral from 1702 is an example of classicistic architecture. It became a fortified city, with the Kalmar Castle as the center. After the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, Kalmar's importance diminished, until the industry sector was initiated in the 19th century. The city is home to parts of Linnaeus University.
The city plays host to the Live at Heart festival, one of Sweden's largest musical showcase events.
Kalmar is adjacent to the main route to the island of Öland over the Öland Bridge.