Kymenlaakso

Kymenlaakso (Finnish: [ˈkymenˌlɑːkso]; Swedish: Kymmenedalen; lit. "Kymi/Kymmene Valley") is a region in Finland. It borders the regions of Uusimaa, Päijät-Häme, South Savo and South Karelia and Russia (Leningrad Oblast). Its name means literally The Valley of River Kymi. Kymijoki is one of the biggest rivers in Finland with a drainage basin with 11% of the area of Finland. The city of Kotka with 51,000 inhabitants is located at the delta of River Kymi and has the most important import harbour in Finland. Other cities are Kouvola further in the inland which has after a municipal merger 81,000 inhabitants and the old bastion town Hamina.

Kymenlaakso Kymmenedalen
Region
Region of Kymenlaakso Kymenlaakson maakunta (Finnish) Landskapet Kymmenedalen (Swedish)
Coat of arms
Kymenlaakso on a map of Finland
Coordinates: 60°30′N 027°00′E
Country	Finland
Historical province	Uusimaa, Karelia, Tavastia
Former provinces	Viborg and Nyslott County Kymmenegård and Nyslott County Viipuri Province Province of Kymi Southern Finland Province
Capitals	Kotka and Kouvola
Other town	Hamina
Area
• Total	5,595.36 km2 (2,160.38 sq mi)
Population  (2019)
• Total	174,167
• Density	31/km2 (81/sq mi)
GDP
• Total	€6.158 billion (2015)
• Per capita	€34,350 (2015)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
ISO 3166 code	FI-09
NUTS	186
Regional animal	Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)
Regional bird	Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
Regional fish	European sprat (Sprattus sprattus)
Regional flower	Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
Regional stone	Rapakivi granite
Regional lake	Lake Vuohijärvi
Website	www.kymenlaakso.fi

Kymenlaakso was one of the first industrialized regions of Finland. It became the most important region for paper and pulp industry in Finland. Since the late 1900s many plants have closed, which has caused some deindustrialization, unemployment and population decline in Kymenlaakso, especially in those communities that were built around plants in Kouvola.

Historical provinces

For history, geography and culture see: Uusimaa, Karelia and Tavastia

History

The Kymi River in Kotka

Kymenlaakso, cradled by the winding Kymi River, boasts a history as dynamic as its waterways. Unlike Finland's traditional provinces, Kymenlaakso emerged as a distinct region much later, a testament to its ever-evolving character. The earliest whispers of human presence in Kymenlaakso echo back to the Stone Age. These settlements laid the foundation for later inhabitants like the Tavastians and Karelians, who etched their own stories onto the land.

For centuries, Kymenlaakso found itself under Swedish rule. Its strategic location transformed it into a vital trade corridor between Sweden and Russia. This era also witnessed the birth of its industrial prowess, with the 18th century ushering in an iron and steel boom. Sawmills and paper mills sprouted like mushrooms along the riverbanks, laying the groundwork for Kymenlaakso's future industrial dominance.

The 19th century brought a shift in political winds as Kymenlaakso became part of the Grand Duchy of Finland in personal union with the Russian Empire. However, the region's industrial spirit remained unfazed. In fact, this period saw further consolidation of its industrial base. The early 20th century witnessed another significant development – the rise of a powerful labor movement, a reflection of the growing importance of the working class in Kymenlaakso's industrial landscape.

Following World War II, Kymenlaakso embraced its place in independent Finland. While industry remained the cornerstone of its economy, forestry and tourism began carving out niches for themselves. However, recent years haven't been without challenges. The decline of the forest industry has cast a shadow over the region. Undeterred, Kymenlaakso is actively pursuing economic diversification, attracting new businesses and exploring new avenues for growth.

Municipalities

Main article: Municipalities of Kymenlaakso

The region of Kymenlaakso consists of six municipalities, three of which have city status (marked in bold).

Municipalities on the map

Kouvola

Kotka

Hamina

Pyhtää

Virolahti

Miehikkälä

Gulf of Finland

South
Savo

South
Karelia

Russia
Leningrad
Oblast

Uusimaa

Päijät-
Häme

Municipalities

Over 30 000 inhabitants

Over 10 000 inhabitants

Over 3 000 inhabitants

 < 3 000 inhabitants

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Cities and municipalities of Kymenlaakso.

Sub-regions

Kotka-Hamina sub-region

• Kotka
• Hamina (Fredrikshamn)
• Pyhtää (Pyttis)
• Virolahti (Vederlax)
• Miehikkälä

Kouvola sub-region

• Kouvola

Municipalities listed

Coat of arms	Municipality	Population	Land area (km2)	Density (/km2)	Finnish speakers	Swedish speakers	Other speakers
	Hamina	19,413	610	32	92 %	0.3 %	8 %
	Kotka	50,422	272	185	89 %	1 %	11 %
	Kouvola	78,587	2,558	31	95 %	0.4 %	5 %
	Miehikkälä	1,733	423	4	94 %	0.3 %	6 %
	Pyhtää	5,038	325	16	89 %	6.8 %	5 %
	Virolahti	2,886	372	8	94 %	0.4 %	7 %
	Total	158,079	4,559	34.7	92.3 %	0.7 %	7 %

Former municipalities

• Kuusankoski
• Elimäki
• Anjala
• Haapasaari
• Kymi

• Karhula
• Anjalankoski
• Valkeala
• Jaala
• Vehkalahti

Politics

Results of the 2019 Finnish parliamentary election in Kymenlaakso:

• Social Democratic Party 24.73%
• Finns Party 20.93%
• National Coalition Party 18.21%
• Centre Party 11.64%
• Green League 8.64%
• Left Alliance 6.34%
• Christian Democrats 4.85%
• Movement Now 1.83%
• Blue Reform 1.68%
• Seven Star Movement 0.33%
• Other parties 0.82%

External links

• Regional Council of Kymenlaakso