valtioalueilla

Valtioalueilla, also known as sub-regions, are a spatial division used in Finland to group municipalities and other administrative entities at a higher level than municipalities themselves. The country is divided into 19 regions, each of which is further divided into several counties, with some regions containing only one county. The sub-regions serve as a tool for statistical and administrative purposes, allowing for the collection and analysis of data at a regional level.

Valtioalueilla are used in various fields, including healthcare, education, and transportation. For instance, regional healthcare services are often organized according to the sub-regional divisions, ensuring that residents have access to necessary medical care. Similarly, education and transportation services are also coordinated at the sub-regional level, facilitating the exchange of students and the provision of public transportation.

The sub-regional divisions were formalized by the Ministry of the Interior in 2009, and have been used ever since as a way to group municipalities and counties for administrative and statistical purposes. The divisions are not necessarily tied to specific municipalities, and some sub-regions may contain multiple municipalities, while others may consist of only one. Overall, the establishment of valtioalueilla in Finland has streamlined administrative tasks and facilitated the collection of data at the regional level, contributing to more effective governance and regional development. The sub-regional divisions are also used as a reference for the placement of government institutions, including the regional offices of government agencies.