PohjoisSuomen

Pohjois-Suomen is a geographic and cultural region in Finland that refers to the northern part of the country. It is not an official administrative unit today; rather, the term is used in geography, statistics and tourism to describe the northern half of Finland. In common usage it often includes Lapland (Lappi) and Northern Ostrobothnia (Pohjois-Pohjanmaa), though definitions can vary by context.

Geography and climate in the region feature boreal forests, numerous lakes and rivers, and in Lapland the high fells near the Arctic Circle. The climate ranges from subarctic to humid continental, with long cold winters and short mild summers. In the far north, the midnight sun in summer and the polar night in winter are observable phenomena.

Demography and culture are characterized by a relatively low population density compared with southern Finland. The region is home to Finnish speakers, Swedish-speaking minorities, and Sámi languages in parts of Lapland. Sámi culture, traditional reindeer herding and crafts are part of the regional heritage. Major urban centers include Oulu, the largest city in Northern Ostrobothnia, and Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland.

Economy and infrastructure are diverse, with technology and higher education concentrated in Oulu (home to the University of Oulu), forestry and energy in rural areas, and tourism in Lapland. Notable attractions include Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and national parks such as Pyhä-Luosto and Urho Kekkonen, which illustrate the region’s natural and cultural appeal.