Balsfjord
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| Balsfjord kommune | |||
| — Municipality — | |||
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| Coordinates: | |||
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| Country | Norway | ||
| County | Troms | ||
| Municipality ID | NO-1933 | ||
| Administrative centre | Storsteinnes | ||
| Government | |||
| - Mayor (2008) | Gunda Johansen (Ap) | ||
| Area (Nr. 52 in Norway) | |||
| - Total | 1,496 km² (577.6 sq mi) | ||
| - Land | 1,440 km² (556 sq mi) | ||
| Population (2007) | |||
| - Total | 5,569 | ||
| - Density | 4/km² (10.4/sq mi) | ||
| - Change (10 years) | -5.8 % | ||
| - Rank in Norway | 180 | ||
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | ||
| Official language form | Bokmål | ||
| Demonym | Balsfjording[1] | ||
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| Website: www.balsfjord.kommune.no | |||
Balsfjord is a municipality in the county of Troms, Norway.
The municipality was originally a part of the greater Tromsøysund municipality, but it was separated from this in 1860. The former municipality Malangen (separated from Balsfjord in 1871) was, again, merged with Balsfjord in 1964.
The municipality consists of two fjords, Malangen and Balsfjorden [1], surrounded by comparatively rich farmlands under majestic peaks including the southern end of the Lyngen Alps.
Farming is the single most important industry, although there is also some manufacturing. The dairy at Storsteinnes is one of the largest producers of the Norwegian brown cheese. They also make their own brand of cheese, called Balsfjord, from goat's milk. The E6 and the E8 meet at the village Nordkjosbotn, making it a major crossroad.
Apart from the impressive scenery, attractions include the 6000 year old rock carvings at Tennes (close to the church), the old trading centre of Nordby and the 18th century sawmill at Aursfjord. There is also a smaller field of rock carvings at Åsli.
[edit] Name
The municipality is named after Balsfjorden (Sami Báhccavuotna). The meaning of the first element is unknown. (But it is probably NOT named after the Norse god Balder.)[citation needed]
[edit] Coat-of-arms
The coat-of-arms is from modern times (1986). It shows a plough, to symbolize the importance of farming.
[edit] History
The Sami were the original inhabitants, but around 1800 new settlers came from Southern Norway, from the coast and from Finland, and today very few traces of Sami culture survive. From the 18th century to the 20th century trappers from Balsfjord were active in the Arctic Hunting from Greenland to Novaya Zemlya.
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