Luleå

Port and administrative capital of Norrbotten county in northern Sweden, on the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of the River Luleå; population (2000 est) 71,700. It is Sweden's leading bulk-shipping harbour with an annual turnover of 7.5 million tonnes, including exports of iron ore and timber. It is also a metallurgical centre, with blast furnaces, steelworks, and manufacturing.

Luleå was founded in 1621, in a location 10 km/6 mi from its present position. It was moved in 1649 to cater for the expanding port. The Luleå University of Technology (1971) has 11,000 students, and is an important centre for research on robotics and engineering. An efficient ice-breaking service allows year round shipping. Sweden's largest airbase is located here.

Luleå archipelago is part of the Norbotten Archipelago, and is the world's only pure brackish water environment.