Sjælland (shĕ`län) or Zealand (zē`lənd), Ger. Seeland, island (1992 pop. 1,976,882), 2,709 sq mi (7,016 sq km), E Denmark, between the Kattegat and the Baltic Sea. Denmark's largest island, it is separated from Fyn by the Store Bælt and from Sweden by the Øresund. Sjælland includes most of Copenhagen, the Danish capital, and the cities of Roskilde, Helsingør, Hillerød, Holbæk, Næstved, Køge, and Birkerød. The island is generally low-lying, rising to a maximum height of 413 ft (126 m) in the northeast, and has much fertile farmland. Wheat growing, dairy farming, cattle breeding, and fishing are important occupations. Sjælland's northern shore is indented by the many-branched Isefjord. The Store Bælt bridge (1998), between Sjælland and Fyn islands, links the island to Denmark's mainland.

Sjælland

English Zealand

Island, Denmark. Located between the Kattegat strait and the Baltic Sea, Sjælland is the largest (2,715 sq mi [7,031 sq km]) and most populous island (pop., 1990 est.: 1,972,711) of Denmark. Copenhagen is its major city. Two fjords break the irregular coastline of the island, and fine beaches line its northern shore. It has many Stone Age and Viking relics, including the Viking fortress of Trælleborg (c. 1000), as well as medieval churches, castles, and manor houses. Grain and livestock farming, fishing, and tourism are major industries.