HALDEN, a town in the county of Ostfold in the south of Norway. It is situated at the mouth of the river Tista near the border of Sweden. Pop. (193o), 10,278. In early times there existed a settlement called Halden on the same site. This settle ment gained its charter under King Fredrik II., who called the town Fredrikshald, but in 1928 the name was changed again to Halden. During the frequent wars with Sweden it was especially exposed to Swedish attacks, and a fort, Fredriksten, was built in 1644 for the defence of the town. The most important indus tries of Halden are in connection with the great timber produc tion of the neighbourhood. There are many sawmills along the river, also mills for wood-pulp and paper. Other industries are the manufacture of boots and shoes and textiles. In the neigh bouring district there are many quarries and granite is exported. The town, formerly Fredrikshald in Smaalenene amt, is a port, with good rail connections.