Tukosliike

Tukosliike is a small municipality in the northern part of Finland, within the Lapland region. It covers an area of approximately 120 square kilometers and had a population of around 1,200 residents as of 2023. The administrative centre is the village of Tukosliike. The municipality operates under the Finnish local government system and is part of the Lapland constituency.

The name Tukosliike derives from the indigenous Sámi term "tukos," meaning "river bend," and the Finnish suffix "-liike," indicating a place of movement. The combination reflects the settlement’s proximity to a notable bend in the Saikka River.

Tukosliike lies at an elevation of about 300 metres above sea level, nestled between the Tapio hills and the Saikka River. The area experiences a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters lasting until late March and short, mild summers that rarely exceed 20 °C.

The population is predominantly Finnish‑speaking, with a significant minority of Sámi speakers. Ethnic composition averages 92% Finnish, 4% Sámi, and 4% other, reflecting the broader demographic trends of rural Lapland. Age distribution and gender balance are typical of small rural communities.

The local economy relies primarily on forestry, reindeer herding, and tourism. The forest industry provides timber and sawpulp, while reindeer herding remains a traditional Sámi practice supported by national herding schemes. Winter sports and cultural festivals attract visitors, providing seasonal income for residents.

Connectivity is provided by regional road R‑25, linking Tukosliike to the larger town of Rovaniemi. Seasonal bus services operate along this route, and a small clinic offers primary healthcare. The municipality has a single primary school; secondary education is accessed through a boarding school in Rovaniemi.

Tukosliike has gained recognition for its environmental initiatives, including renewable energy projects and conservation programs aimed at protecting surrounding taiga ecosystems.