Kerava

Kerava is a town and municipality in the Uusimaa region of Finland, located in the southern part of the country about 30 kilometers north of Helsinki. It lies on the banks of the Keravanjoki river and is part of the Helsinki metropolitan area. The municipality has a population in the tens of thousands and encompasses both urban neighborhoods and surrounding rural areas.

Kerava has its roots in rural life but began to grow with the expansion of rail transport in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the railway contributed to industrial development and increased connectivity with the capital region. Over the late 20th century, Kerava transitioned from a market town to a modern municipality with residential expansion and diversified services.

In terms of transport, Kerava is served by the Helsinki commuter rail network and lies on a major rail corridor linking Helsinki with other Finnish cities. The town is also accessible by road, with connections to the national highway network and local bus services.

The economy is primarily service-oriented, with local retail, education, healthcare, and small-scale manufacturing and logistics playing important roles. Kerava hosts a range of cultural and recreational facilities, including libraries, sports venues, and public events. Notable landmarks include historic religious buildings and local museums that reflect the town’s development from rural roots to a modern urban center. The municipality operates a council–manager government and provides municipal services to residents.