Tromso

Tromso, a seaport of Norway, capital of the amt (county) and stift (diocese) of the same name on the north-western coast. Pop. (1900), 6955. It stands on the eastern shore of a low fertile islet between Kvald and the mainland, in 69° 38' N., 18° 55' E. (the latitude is that of Disco, Greenland). The vegetation of the island (mountain ash and birch) is remarkably luxuriant. The buildings, mostly of wood, include the town-hall and a museum, which contains a good zoological collection. Sealskins and other furs, and whale and seal oil, are exported, and the herring fishery is very productive. Imports are coal, textiles, salt, grain and flour. Mean temperature of year 36.4° F.; February 25°; July 51.8°. Tromso was founded in 1794. A number of Lapps usually encamp in the neighbouring Tromsdal during summer. The coast scenery, with its islands and snowy mountains, is wild and beautiful.