Lohkopohjaisessa

Lohkopohjaisessa is a small rural municipality located in the Central Ostrobothnia region of Finland. The name derives from the word lohko meaning "plank" and the suffix -pohjaisessa, a local dialectic form indicating the northern part of the area. The municipality covers an area of approximately 135 square kilometres, of which 10 per cent is covered by lakes and wetlands that are characteristic of the region.

The settlement was first mentioned in historical records in the early 16th century as a modest cluster of farmhouses along the banks of the Lohko River. During the 19th century, peat extraction and small-scale forestry became the principal sources of income, a tradition that continues in the modern economy through a combination of timber processing and dairy farming. In recent years, the municipality has also promoted eco-tourism, with activities such as bird watching, canoeing on the adjacent Lake Pohjainen, and guided fishing tours on the abundant fish species of the area.

Lohkopohjaisessa has a population of roughly 780 residents, with a majority living in the central village of Lohko. The population density is about five inhabitants per square kilometre, typical of the sparsely settled countryside in Central Ostrobothnia. The community is predominantly Finnish speaking, with a small minority of Swedish speakers, reflecting the multicultural heritage of the region.

The local council is responsible for providing public services such as primary education, transportation, and social welfare. The municipal school serves students up to the eighth grade, after which most pupils travel to larger towns for secondary education. Public transportation is limited but includes a regional bus line that connects Lohkopohjaisessa with the neighbouring municipality of Jalasjärvi.

Cultural life in Lohkopohjaisessa revolves around traditional Finnish customs, with annual events such as the Lohko Harvest Festival, which celebrates the local rye and dairy products. The municipality also supports a community centre that hosts folk dance evenings, music workshops, and library services. The area is known for its scenic beauty, quiet countryside, and strong sense of local identity.