Suomenselkä

Suomenselkä is a geological formation and a geographical region in Finland. It is a prominent watershed area that divides the drainage basins of the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland. The area is characterized by its undulating terrain, numerous lakes, and extensive forests. Historically, Suomenselkä has served as a significant natural boundary and a route for transportation and settlement. The region's topography is a result of glacial activity during the last Ice Age, which left behind a landscape dotted with moraines and eskers. The ecological diversity of Suomenselkä supports a variety of flora and fauna adapted to the northern climate. The name "Suomenselkä" roughly translates to "Finnish Ridge" or "Finnish Back," referring to its elevated position and its significance within Finland. It is not a single continuous mountain range but rather a broader zone of higher ground. The region is sparsely populated, with settlements often centered around lakes and rivers. Its natural resources, particularly timber and fish, have historically played a role in the local economy. Modern infrastructure, such as roads and power lines, traverses the area, but much of Suomenselkä retains its wild character.