Johdosta

Johdosta is a rural locality situated within the municipality of Kuusamo in the Northern Ostrobothnia region of Finland. The settlement lies near the western shore of Lake Kuusamojärvi, approximately 30 kilometres southeast of the town centre of Kuusamo. Its geographic coordinates are 65.8833°N latitude and 27.9333°E longitude. The surrounding landscape is characterised by a mix of boreal forest and gently rolling hills, typical of the Finnish Lakeland.

Historically, Johdosta has been known for small-scale agriculture and forestry, with timber harvests playing a significant role in the local economy during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the late 1800s, a modest sawmill was established, which operated until the 1960s. The village also served as a waypoint for travelers along the old road between Kuusamo and Suomussalmi. The construction of the Finnish national road 21 in the mid‑20th century led to increased connectivity, encouraging modest population growth and the development of roadside services.

According to the most recent census data, Johdosta has a population of roughly 120 residents, with a density of about 4 persons per square kilometre. The demographic profile is predominantly native Finnish, with a small proportion of nearby Sami communities. The local economy remains primarily oriented toward forestry, subsistence farming, and service activities catering to residents and tourists visiting the scenic lake area.

Notable persons from Johdosta include the late social activist Maria Virtanen, who was instrumental in the promotion of regional environmental protection initiatives during the 1980s. Johdosta is also recognized for its traditional folk songs, many of which have been recorded by Finnish cultural archives.