Hampshire

Hampshire is a county in South East England. It is bordered by Dorset to the west, Wiltshire to the north-west, Berkshire to the north, Surrey to the north-east, and West Sussex to the east. The southern boundary is the coast of the English Channel.

Hampshire is historically associated with the Kingdom of Wessex and played a significant role in the early history of England. The county town is Winchester, which was once the capital of England. Other major settlements include Southampton, Portsmouth, and Basingstoke.

The county is known for its diverse landscape, including the New Forest, a large expanse of ancient woodland, heathland, and pasture. It also contains parts of the South Downs National Park.

Hampshire's economy is varied, encompassing sectors such as tourism, agriculture, technology, and marine industries. The cities of Southampton and Portsmouth are major ports.

Important historical sites in Hampshire include Winchester Cathedral, Portchester Castle, and the Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton. The county is also the birthplace of the novelist Jane Austen.