Rikosuhrien

Rikosuhrien is a small municipality located in the eastern part of Finland, within the region of North Karelia. The area covers approximately 1,200 square kilometres and is characterised by dense boreal forest, numerous lakes, and a temperate humid continental climate. The administrative centre, Rikosuhrien Town, lies on the shores of Rikosjärvi lake, which is the central hub for local recreation and fishing.

The etymology of the name derives from the old Finnish words “rikosa” meaning “riverbank” and “hri” a suffix denoting settlement, reflecting the community’s historical reliance on riverine transport and forestry. Population estimates in 2023 place the municipality at roughly 3,800 residents, with a population density of about 3 people per square kilometre. The demographic profile is primarily ethnic Finnish, with a minority of Russian-speaking immigrants who arrived during the post‑World War II resettlement programmes.

Rikosuhrien’s economy has traditionally centred on logging, timber processing and small‑scale agriculture. In recent decades, the municipality has diversified, adding a small hydroelectric plant that supplies renewable energy to the regional grid and developing eco‑tourism initiatives that leverage its extensive trail networks and wildlife habitats. The local government actively promotes cultural events, notably an annual summer festival celebrating Karelian cuisine and folk music, fostering community cohesion and attracting visitors from neighbouring regions.