a maritime town in Sweden, situated on the promontory formed by the gulfs of Finland and Bothnia, 120 miles north-east from Stockholm, in E. Long. 21° 28' and N. Lat. 62° 10'. It is a seaport, or city, which has the privilege of a foreign trade, and belongs to the lane or government and diocese of Abo. It is built on both sides of the river Aurajoki, which have a communication by a wooden bridge. The streets and lanes of Abo amount to 102; the number of houses to 1100, which in 1780 contained above 2000 families. In 1791 the number of inhabitants was 8500.

A gymnasium was established at Abo by Gustavus Adolphus in 1626, which was converted by Queen Christina, in 1649, into an academy or university, in which are now taught, anatomy, natural history, chemistry, and economics. The library founded by Queen Christina consists of above 10,000 volumes, besides manuscripts, ancient coins, medals, &c. The school of anatomy is in considerable repute; and enjoys, it is said, one very extraordinary privilege. By a particular regulation, all persons who hold lands or pensions from the crown are bound to leave their bodies to be dissected for the instruction of the students.

The trade of Abo is considerable. The exports consist of iron, copper, pitch, tar, deals, &c. The imports are tobacco, coffee, sugar, wine, salt, grain, hemp, and spiceries. In Abo are manufactured silk ribbands, fustian, fail-cloth, leather, tiles, watches and clocks, paper, sugar, and tobacco. The plantations of tobacco in this neighbourhood produce not less than 152,000 cwt. annually. (Acerbi's Travels).

ABO-HUS, or ABO-SLOT, a very ancient castle in Finland, situated at the mouth of the river Aura, was the residence of Duke John, and the prifon of King Eric in the 16th century. It is at present employed as a magazine for corn and gunpowder, and as a prifon for state offenders.