I. A 8. province or Ian of Sweden, bordering on Ostergothland, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Halland, and Elfsborg; area, 4,298 sq. m.; pop. in 1872, 181,788. It is traversed by several mountains, and is watered by the rivers Nissa and Em and by Lake Wetter. It is well cultivated and wooded, and abounds in minerals, particularly iron, which is largely exported, together with corn, cattle, butter, cheese, pitch, and tar. Hemp, flax, and potatoes are also extensively raised. II. A town, capital of the Ian, situated on a tongue of land at the S. end of Lake Wetter, 175 m. S. W. of Stockholm; pop. in 1872, 11,751. The low situation requires embankments against inundations. It is well built, and has a fine parish church, ruins of an old castle, a governor's residence, a superior court, and a theatre. The harbor in the adjoining Munk lake has increased in importance through the opening of the Gota canal. The trade is chiefly in corn, iron, and wood; famous lucifer matches are made here, and much used in France and England. In the vicinity are mineral springs, summer resorts, and villas.

It is one of the principal stations on the southern railroad, and is connected by steamers with Stockholm.