Banjermassin, a former sultanate on the SE. of Borneo, with an area of 5928 sq. m., and a pop. of about 300,000, chiefly Mohammedans. Tributary to Holland since 1787, it was annexed on the death of the last sultan in 1857, and is now governed by the Dutch resident for the south and east of Borneo, who has an assistant at Martapura, where the sultans formerly lived. Banjer-massin is watered by large rivers and intersected by a chain of mountains, in several parts rising to 3000 feet. Excellent small-arms are manufactured. The products are pepper, wax, edible nests, rattans, benzoin, dragons' blood, coal, iron, diamonds, and gold dust.
BANJERMASSIN, the capital of the residency, is built on the island of Tatas, about 15 miles from the mouth of the Banjer or Barito; pop. 30,000. The town is subject to frequent inundations, and the houses are raised on piles, most of the traffic being carried on in boats. The trade, which is considerable, is mostly in the hands of the Chinese, and the imports include piece-goods, gunpowder, opium, rice, sugar, salt, Chinese porcelain, silks, and a few horses from Java.