Södermalm, often shortened to "Söder" (Swedish for "south"), is a district in central Stockholm. It covers the large island of the same name (formerly called "Åsön"). With a population of 99,685 (December 2008) it is one of the most densely populated districts of Scandinavia. Although Södermalm usually is considered an island, water to both its north and south does not flow freely but passes through locks.Södermalm is connected to its surrounding areas by a number of bridges.