PohjoisSavo

Pohjois-Savo, known in English as Northern Savonia, is one of Finland’s 19 regions. It is located in the eastern part of the country and is part of the historical Savonia region. The regional capital and largest city is Kuopio.

Geography and landscape are dominated by lakes and forests. The area is part of the extensive lake system in Savonia, with Lake Kallavesi near Kuopio being a notable feature. The terrain typically includes a mix of waterways, rolling hills and woodlands, supporting outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking and winter sports.

Administration and economy describe a region governed by a regional council and comprising several municipalities, including Kuopio, Iisalmi, Varkaus, Siilinjärvi, Sonkajärvi and Rautavaara. The economy combines public services, education and healthcare with forestry, wood processing and increasingly technology and services. The presence of higher education institutions, such as the University of Eastern Finland’s Kuopio campus and Savonia University of Applied Sciences with activities in the region, contributes to local innovation and employment.

Demographics and culture note that Pohjois-Savo has a population in the hundreds of thousands and is part of Savonian cultural and linguistic traditions. The region hosts cultural institutions, theatres and museums and maintains a distinctive Lakeland heritage reflected in local events and regional cuisine.

Transport and infrastructure highlight Kuopio Airport and connections by road and rail to Helsinki and other major Finnish centers. Lake networks also support regional mobility and tourism, complementing inland transportation.