North Karelia (or Northern Karelia, Finnish: Pohjois-Karjala; Swedish: Norra Karelen) is a region in eastern Finland. It borders the regions of Kainuu, North Savo, South Savo and South Karelia, as well as Russia's Republic of Karelia. It is the easternmost region of Finland and shares a 300 kilometres (190 mi) border with Russia. The city of Joensuu is the capital and the largest settlement of the region.

North Karelia has successfully reduced chronic diseases through public health measures. In the 1960s Finland led industrialized nations in heart disease mortality rates; North Karelia had Finland's highest incidence. In 1972 a long-term project was undertaken which targeted this risk in North Karelia. The resulting improvement in public health is still considered remarkable, a model for the rest of the nation. North Karelia is also known as the most sociable region in Finland.

History

The borders of remote North Karelia were formed gradually. Important border foundations were the Treaty of Stolbovo (1617) for the eastern border and the Treaty of Teusina (1595) for the western border. The border was finally established in the Treaty of Nystad (1721), where North Karelia was separated from the "other Karelias" that remained on Russia's side.

Regional identity began to form gradually in the 18th century. In 1767, the häradshövding (judge) used the name Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia). The residents also called themselves the men of the province and drew up their own regulations in Finnish for the border guard, showing their separateness. Administratively, North Karelia belonged to different counties in the 18th century, but it had its own "North Karelia county". This self-administration set it apart from other regions. The separation was further strengthened when North Karelia was formed into its own province in 1960. North Karelia became its own region in 1994. Instead, North Karelia province was abolished in 1997 and its functions were transferred to the Eastern Finland province.

Historical province

Heraldry

The coat of arms of North Karelia is composed of the arms of Karelia.

Municipalities

The region of North Karelia consists of 13 municipalities, five of which have city status (marked in bold).

Municipalities on the map

Sub-regions

List of municipalities

Coat of arms	Municipality	Population	Land area (km)	Density (/km)	Finnish speakers	Swedish speakers	Other speakers
	Heinävesi	3,001	1,030	3	95 %	0.3 %	4 %
	Ilomantsi	4,406	2,763	2	95 %	0.2 %	4 %
	Joensuu	78,062	2,382	33	93 %	0.1 %	7 %
	Juuka	4,259	1,502	3	97 %	0 %	3 %
	Kitee	9,689	1,254	8	92 %	0 %	8 %
	Kontiolahti	15,136	800	19	98 %	0.1 %	2 %
	Lieksa	10,228	3,418	3	94 %	0.1 %	6 %
	Liperi	11,969	727	16	98 %	0 %	2 %
	Nurmes	9,130	2,401	4	97 %	0.1 %	3 %
	Outokumpu	6,409	446	14	93 %	0.1 %	6 %
	Polvijärvi	4,064	805	5	98 %	0.1 %	2 %
	Rääkkylä	1,902	428	4	95 %	0.1 %	4 %
	Tohmajärvi	4,066	838	5	94 %	0.2 %	6 %
	Total	162,321	18,347	9	94 %	0.1 %	6 %

Education

Institutions of higher education in North Karelia include:

• University of Eastern Finland
• North Karelia University of Applied Sciences
• Riveria Vocational Education and Training

Politics

Results of the 2019 Finnish parliamentary election in North Karelia:

• Centre Party 24.46%
• Social Democratic Party 21.41%
• Finns Party 18.83%
• Green League 9.93%
• National Coalition Party 9.01%
• Christian Democrats 6.68%
• Left Alliance 5.26%
• Blue Reform 2.24%
• Movement Now 0.96%
• Seven Star Movement 0.21%
• Other parties 1.01%

In popular culture

The song "Pohjois-Karjala" ("North Karelia") by the Finnish pop rock band Leevi and the Leavings tells the story of an urban man who dreams of returning to his native region of North Karelia. It has become such a big hit in North Karelia that it is almost perceived as a regional song.