Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The Realm of Sweden or Svenska väldet is a term that historically was used to comprise all the territories under the control of the Swedish monarchs. In the 9th century Svealand, which is the historical core region of Sweden, expanded southwards, conquering Gothia. Later in the 11th century Sweden also expanded to the east conquering the parts which came to be called Österland, present-day Finland, through crusades. Norrland was made a part of the kingdom in the 16th century. In the 17th century the kingdom expanded to the south and east, except for short-period holdings in Norway, incorporating Scania, Blekinge, Halland and Bohuslän as well as Pomerania. On the other side of the Baltic Sea Kexholm County, Ingria and present day Latvia was also incorporated.