Lainkohdan

Lainkohdan is a fictional municipality in a northern European setting used in case studies to illustrate rural administration. It covers about 12 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 1,150. The locality lies along the Lainjoki River and is surrounded by coniferous forests and several small lakes, yielding a typical upland rural landscape. The climate is temperate with cold winters and mild summers.

The toponym Lainkohdan is Nordic-inspired within the fictional world. The name appears in regional records from the 1640s and is commonly interpreted as indicating a crossing or meeting point by the river. The area developed as a rural service center in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Governance and demographics: Lainkohdan is governed by a nine-member municipal council elected every four years. The council oversees education, waste management, and local roads, while regional authorities handle broader planning and health services. The population is aging, with about a fifth aged 65 or older, and birth rates are low.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy relies on dairy farming, small-scale forestry, and crafts. A regional road network connects Lainkohdan to neighboring towns; there is a limited bus service and no railway station in the municipality.

Culture and landmarks: Community life centers on seasonal markets and a midsummer celebration. Notable sites include the Lainjoki riverside, a nature reserve, and the Heritage House, a 19th-century building housing regional history exhibits. Local traditions combine Nordic and Finnic influences in music and crafts.