city and capital of the län (county) of Jönköping, southern Sweden. It lies at the southern end of Lake Vätter and on the shores of Munk Lake and Rock Lake. In 1283 Franciscan monks built a monastery on this site, and the following year the town was chartered. Because of its strategic position, it suffered greatly in the wars between Denmark and Sweden, during which it was twice (1567 and 1612) set on fire by its own citizens at the approach of the Danes. The present town dates from the rebuilding begun in 1614. Historic buildings include the Old Town Hall (1696–99), the Court of Appeal (1655; one of the oldest in Sweden), and Christina Church, or Kristinekyrkan (1649–73); there is also a county museum. The leading industry in the city is the manufacture of matches; paper, textiles, and machinery are also produced. Jönköping is connected by rail with the main Swedish lines and has water connections through the Göta Canal with the Kattegat and the Baltic Sea. The city is home to Jönköping University. Pop. (2005 est.) mun., 120,956.

län (county) of southern Sweden, in Götaland region. It extends southward from Lake Vätter through part of the traditional landskap (province) of Småland. Jönköping is the highest county of southern Sweden, with heights rising above 1,300 feet (400 metres). Its rough terrain is studded with lakes and drained by the rivers Emån, Lagan, and Nissan. Although it is primarily wooded, the län supports rye and oats cultivation and cattle raising. Most manufacturers exploit the timber supply. The main city is Jönköping, the capital, on the southern shore of Lake Vätter. Area 4,345 square miles (11,253 square km). Pop. (2005 est.) 329,297.