Mureminen

Mureminen is a small municipality located in the region of Southern Ostrobothnia in western Finland. The village is situated approximately 35 kilometers west of the regional capital, Seinäjoki, and lies near the banks of the lake Kari. According to the most recent census in 2022, the population of Mureminen is 1,240 residents, with a relatively balanced distribution between families and elderly citizens. The area covers about 62 square kilometres, giving it an overall density of roughly 20 inhabitants per square kilometre.

The earliest documentary evidence of settlement in Mureminen dates back to the 16th century, when a modest farming community was established by settlers from the nearby valley of Pirtti. The name "Mureminen" is thought to derive from the old Finnish word *murre*, meaning "to murmur" or "to sound softly," likely referencing the gentle flow of the Kari stream that borders the village. Over subsequent centuries, Mureminen developed agricultural and dairy industries that remain integral to its local economy today. In addition, a tradition of artisanal woodcarving has survived, and the village hosts an annual fair celebrating this craft.

Culturally, Mureminen is noted for its well-preserved 19th‑century wooden church, the Mureminen Church of St. Michael, which contains a collection of regional folk paintings. The community places emphasis on sustainable forestry practices and maintains a network of eco-friendly farms. Education is provided by a primary school that serves the surrounding rural area and fosters local heritage through school projects focusing on regional history and environmental stewardship.