STRALSUND, a strong and rich sea-port town of Germany, in Hither Pomerania, formerly an important trading-place. In 1678 it was forced to surrender to the elector of Brandenburg, after 1800 houses had been burnt to ashes in one night's time. The Swedes however recovered it, but lost it again in 1715. In 1720 it was rendered back to Sweden in a very poor condition. In the year 1814, Stralsund, with the whole of Swedish Pomerania, was ceded to Prussia. It is almost surrounded by the sea and the lake Francen, and has a harbour separated from the isle of Rugen by a narrow strait. It is 15 miles north-west of Gripps-wald, and 40 north-east of Gustrow. E. Long. 13. 28. N. Lat. 54. 17.