North Karelia


North Karelia is a region in eastern Finland. It borders the regions of Kainuu, North Savo, South Savo and South Karelia, as well as Russia's Republic of Karelia. It is the easternmost region of Finland and shares a border with Russia. The city of Joensuu is the capital and the largest settlement of the region.
North Karelia has successfully reduced chronic diseases through public health measures. In the 1960s Finland led industrialized nations in heart disease mortality rates; North Karelia had Finland's highest incidence. In 1972 a long-term project was undertaken which targeted this risk in North Karelia. The resulting improvement in public health is still considered remarkable, a model for the rest of the nation. North Karelia is also known as the most sociable region in Finland.
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History

The borders of remote North Karelia were formed gradually. Important border foundations were the Treaty of Stolbovo for the eastern border and the Treaty of Teusina for the western border. The border was finally established in the Treaty of Nystad, where North Karelia was separated from the "other Karelias" that remained on Russia's side.
Regional identity began to form gradually in the 18th century. In 1767, the häradshövding used the name Pohjois-Karjala. The residents also called themselves the men of the province and drew up their own regulations in Finnish for the border guard, showing their separateness. Administratively, North Karelia belonged to different counties in the 18th century, but it had its own "North Karelia county". This self-administration set it apart from other regions. The separation was further strengthened when North Karelia was formed into its own province in 1960. North Karelia became its own region in 1994. Instead, North Karelia province was abolished in 1997 and its functions were transferred to the Eastern Finland province.
The first shots of the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland were fired in Lieksa on 30 November 1939. Fighting in Ilomantsi took place during both the Winter War and the Continuation War. The latter was the final battle of the Continuation War and ended with a Finnish victory.

Heraldry

The coat of arms of North Karelia is composed of the arms of Karelia.

Municipalities

The region of North Karelia consists of 13 municipalities, five of which have city status.

Sub-regions

Joensuu sub-region
Central Karelia sub-regionKitee
Pielinen Karelia sub-regionLieksa

List of municipalities

Coat of
arms		MunicipalityPopulationLand area
Density
Finnish
speakers		Swedish
speakers		Other
speakers
Heinävesi % % %
Ilomantsi % % %
Joensuu % % %
Juuka % % %
Kitee % % %
Kontiolahti % % %
Lieksa % % %
Liperi % % %
Nurmes % % %
Outokumpu % % %
Polvijärvi % % %
Rääkkylä % % %
Tohmajärvi % % %
Total % % %-

Education

Institutions of higher education in North Karelia include:

Politics

Results of the 2019 Finnish parliamentary election in North Karelia:

In popular culture

The song "Pohjois-Karjala" by the Finnish pop rock band Leevi and the Leavings tells the story of an urban man who dreams of returning to his native region of North Karelia. It has become such a big hit in North Karelia that it is almost perceived as a regional song.