The Region of Pohjois-Savo

Pohjois-Savo is the fifth largest region in Finland. It has approximately 251,000 inhabitants, which represents 5% of the total population of Finland. Sixty-six percent of the workforce is employed in the service sector, 24 percent in industry and construction and 10 percent in agriculture and forestry.

In terms of the service industries, tourism and information technology are the two areas that are showing the most significant growth. The region's main tourist attractions include the varied natural settings (including many bodies of water) and the excellent opportunities for various recreational activities. Information technology is growing in the fields of wellness and health care.

In Pohjois-Savo, industrial production units often utilize the region's major forest resources, which offer the prospect of increasing wood processing considerably.

Most of the companies in the region are small and medium-sized enterprises. The number of high-tech companies is growing. Approximately one quarter of industrial products is exported.

Educational services in the region are diversified and boast a high academic level. Besides the University of Kuopio, the region has a polytechnic institution in which the following fields are represented: technology, administration and commerce, culture, health care and social welfare.

Pohjois-Savo has an important role in the transit route for trade and traffic to Russia. It will continue to play this role in the future.

The Pohjois-Savo region consists of 23 municipalities.