Ylenlaskjaan

Ylenlaskjaan is a small municipality located in the northern region of Finland, within the historical boundaries of Lapland. The name, derived from the Finnish words for "sky" (ylen) and "fall" (laskjaan), reflects the area's landscape of rolling hills and broad valleys.

The municipality covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometres, with around 85 per cent of the land forested and the remainder consisting of waterways and agricultural plots. As of the 2021 census, Ylenlaskjaan had a population of roughly 3,500 residents, a steady decline from the early 1990s due to urban migration. The population density is about three people per square kilometre, making it one of the most sparsely populated areas in the country.

Ylenlaskjaan's history dates back to the late Viking era, with archaeological evidence indicating that the area was settled by Sami hunters for around 1,200 years. The municipality was formally established in 1860 after a reorganization of administrative districts. Historically, its economy relied on forestry, fur trading, and reindeer husbandry. In recent decades, tourism has become increasingly important, with visitors drawn to the region’s midnight sun, dog‑sledding trails, and cultural festivals that celebrate Sami heritage.

The local government operates under a council–manager system. Services such as education, health care, and public transportation are administered in coordination with neighboring municipalities. Ylenlaskjaan is known for its commitment to sustainable forestry practices and for hosting the annual “Northern Lights Festival,” an event that attracts artists and audiences from across Scandinavia.