EteläSavo

Etelä-Savo, also known as South Savo, is a region (maakunta) in Eastern Finland. Its regional capital is Mikkeli. The landscape is dominated by lakes and forests, with the Saimaa lake system shaping much of the eastern and southern parts of the region. The area is part of the Savonian cultural region and has historically combined Savonian and Karelian influences.

Geography and municipalities

Etelä-Savo lies mainly along the western shores of Lake Saimaa and extends into forested inland areas. It borders several other Finnish regions, including North Savo to the north. The region comprises multiple municipalities with varying sizes, from mid-sized towns to rural communities, and centers local administration, education, and services for residents and surrounding areas.

Economy and infrastructure

The regional economy is diversified, with important sectors including services, public administration, forestry, agriculture, and tourism. The lakes, rivers, and natural landscapes support outdoor recreation such as boating, fishing, hiking, and winter activities. The region hosts educational and health-care services that serve both local residents and the broader Savonian area. Transport infrastructure includes road networks and rail connections, with Mikkeli acting as a regional transport hub. The Saimaa waterway also contributes to tourism and regional mobility.

Culture and heritage

Etelä-Savo has a cultural landscape shaped by lake life, rural communities, and regional traditions. The region supports cultural institutions and events that reflect Savonian heritage and its cross-border historical influences. Nature conservation and sustainable tourism are part of regional planning and development.

Administration and history

Etelä-Savo is one of Finland’s 19 regions, governed by a regional council responsible for regional development, planning, and coordinating services. The region was established in its current administrative form as part of late-20th-century reforms to Finnish regional governance.