DALECARLIA (Dalarne, "the Dales"), a west midland region of Sweden, extending from the mountains of the Norwegian frontier to within 25 m. of Gefle on the Baltic coast. It is a region of historical associations and local peculiarities. The Dale carlians or Dalesmen have their own dialect and costumes. In led by Engelbrecht, they rose against the tyranny of Eric XIV. of Denmark, and in 1519-1523 they strongly supported Gus tavus Vasa in freeing Sweden from the Danes. The districts around Lakes Runn and Siljan ("the Eye of the Dales"), are con sequently classic ground. The people are for the most part small peasant proprietors. They eke out their scanty existence based on agriculture by a variety of home industries, such as making scythes, saws, bells, wooden wares, hair goods, etc. About three quarters of the whole district is covered with forest. Besides the wealth of the forests, the Dales contain some of the largest iron mines in Sweden, notably those of Grangesberg. Copper has been mined since the 13th century at Falun (q.v.), and other minerals have been found. Much of the area is consequently industrial.