Kainuu

Kainuu is a region (maakunta / landskap) of Finland. It borders the regions of Northern Ostrobothnia, North Karelia and Northern Savonia. In the east it also borders Russia. Kainuu is known in the ancient Norse sagas as Kvenland.

The administrative capital is Kajaani. Kainuu had 79 984 inhabitants in turn of years 2013 and 2014. The population is in decline. The nature of Kainuu features forested hills, lakes and vast expanses of uninhabited woods at its most typical — 95% of the land area is forest. The climate is continental.

Currently the population is in decline mainly because the traditional livelihood is agriculture which is not very profitable any more in that region.

The economy of Kainuu is also driven by the lumber industry, which employs 8% of the workforce in the region. In addition, Kainuu Brigade, a base of the Finnish Defence Forces, is located near Kajaani.

Historical province

For history, geography and culture see: Ostrobothnia

For origin of the name Kainuu see: Origin of the name Kainuu