Jalasjärvi

Jalasjärvi is a former municipality of Finland. It was located in the Southern Ostrobothnia region. The municipality was established in 1864. In 2015, Jalasjärvi had a population of 7,601 and covered an area of 866.94 square kilometers. In 2016, Jalasjärvi was consolidated with the town of Kurikka.

The landscape of Jalasjärvi is characterized by its lakes and forests, typical of the Finnish Lakeland. The municipality was known for its agricultural traditions and rural character. Jalasjärvi was also a significant center for the shoe industry in Finland. The area was well-connected by road, with the main national road 3 passing through it, facilitating transport and communication.

The name Jalasjärvi is thought to derive from the Finnish words "jalas" (meaning a horse's hoof or a wooden clog) and "järvi" (meaning lake), likely referring to a local lake. The area has a history stretching back to the early settlement periods of Finland. Before its consolidation with Kurikka, Jalasjärvi operated as an independent municipality with its own municipal government and services. The consolidation aimed to create a larger, more viable administrative and economic unit. Today, the former territory of Jalasjärvi is an integral part of Kurikka, contributing to its cultural and economic landscape.