ZALAND, one of the provinces of the kingdom of Denmark. It comprehends the large island of that name, in which is Copenhagen, the capital of the kingdom, and the smaller islands of Amak, Saltholm, Syeroe, Omoe, and Agersoe, near to it, and also the more extensive ones of Moe, Samsoe, and Bornholm. The island is 2790 square miles in extent, and the whole province 3140.
The island is generally a level plain, with few elevations but is deeply penetrated by arms of the sea, called gores, which in appearance are lakes, and, where their shores are clothed with woods, present pleasing prospects. The soil is evidently composed of coral and mussel-shells, which the course of ages has converted into calcareous substance. This is mixed with sand, pebbles, clay, and vegetable matter, and thus is highly fertile in many parts, especially on the south and south-east coasts. It yields moderate crops of wheat and rye, but better of barley and pulse. Flax, rape, and some tobacco, are cultivated; but neither these plants nor the grain is sufficient for the consumption. Butter and cheese, with swine's flesh, are more abundant, and indeed the dairy is an important branch of rural application. The fishery on the coasts is, next to agriculture, the chief occupation. The chief trade is in the capital, Copenhagen; and the other towns are inconsiderable, except Roskilde, Elsinour, and Kioge, in the former of which, in the cathedral, is the burial-place of the royal family. The climate of the island is very variable, especially in winter, and not generally favourable to longevity. The population in 1834 amounted to 464,607, being an increase since 1801 of 28 per cent.