Suffolk

Map of the Suffolk Area

Map of Suffolk

County Council

Suffolk

Suffolk is a low-lying East Anglian county bordering the North Sea on its eastern shore. To the north it shares a border with Norfolk. Cambridgeshire lies to the east and directly to the south is the county of Essex. (source: http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/)

The coastline of Suffolk is dominated by natural estuaries. The Orwell, Stour, Aide, Deben and Blyth rivers all travel through the county and terminate at the North Sea, forming large tracts of wetlands and marshes. The area's ecological diversity attracts many nature lovers, hikers and bird watchers. As well, the coastline is dotted with scenic hamlets and antiquated fishing villages that support the county's marine tourist industry. (source: http://www.discoversuffolk.org.uk/)

At 3,798 square kilometres (1,466 square miles), and with a population of seven hundred thirty thousand people, Suffolk is the eighth largest county in England and the thirteenth most populous. Despite its larger number of citizens Suffolk has a relatively low population density of only 192 people per square kilometre, living mostly in the rural countryside. The largest town, Ipswich, is also the administrative centre of the county. Other town centres include Lowestoft and Felixstowe on the coast, and Bury St. Edmonds on the rivers Lark and Linnet.

Consisting mostly of arable land, Suffolk's economy has been driven by agriculture throughout its long history. Farms in the region range in size from eighty to eight thousand acres. The crops produced in Suffolk include barley, wheat, beets, rapeseed oil and market vegetables. The area's agriculture also supports the secondary economic sector -- food processing and manufacture. Owing to its long coastline, shipping and marine transport also contribute to the local economy.

Suffolk has a long history, dating back to the Stone Age. Archaeologists have unearthed ancient spearheads and axes, as well as Bronze Age swords, knives and armour. These are on display at a living history re-enactment site at West Stow.

During the middle ages, Suffolk was vulnerable to frequent attacks by Anglo-Saxons. England's most noteworthy archaeological site, Sutton Hoo, was found in East Suffolk and included a ship burial, the Sword of State and collections of jewellery and gold plate ware. (source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/802819.stm)

Transport

Banks and Building Societies in Suffolk

Media and Newspapers

Tourism - Official Site

Museum

University