Kuopio
From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.
Kuopio is a Finnish city located in the province of Eastern Finland and the region of Northern Savonia. A population of 87,347 makes it the 8th biggest city in the country. The city has a total area is 1,179 km², of which 400 km² is water and half forest. The population density is 113 inhabitants/km²
Kuopio was founded in 1653 by Governor Peter Brahe, but the official date is recognized as November 17, 1775, when King Gustav III of Sweden ordered the establishment of the city of Kuopio.
Kuopio is known as the cultural center of Eastern Finland.
The city is surrounded by the lake Kallavesi, and several parts of it are built on islands. Kuopio is known for its association with a national delicacy, Finnish fish pastry (Kalakukko), and the dialect of Savo, as well as the Puijo tower.
The traffic connections of the city are good, and include the Pendolino trains, Finnair and Blue1.
As of 2004, the biggest employers of the city are: Town of Kuopio (5 868 employees), Academic hospital of Kuopio KYS (4 055), University of Kuopio (1 620), Post of Finland PLC (524), Niuvanniemi hospital (518), Peeässä Coop (501), Atria PLC (378), Vocational college of Northern Savonia (306), Fenestra Oy (297) and Kesko PLC (284)
Kuopio has always been a school town. The most important institutions are the Vocational College of Northern Savonia, the Pohjois-Savo Vocational Institute, Savonia polytechnic, the University of Kuopio and the Kuopio department of the Sibelius Academy.
The municipality of Vehmersalmi will join the town of Kuopio on January 1st 2005.
External links
- Kuopio.fi - Official site of city's government
- KuopioInfo - Various resources about different areas of interest related to Kuopio History and Life (English, Russian, Finnish, Swedish)
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