South Karelia - Definition and Overview

The Region of South Karelia is a region (maakunta / landskap) of Finland. It borders to the regions of Kymenlaakso, Southern Savonia, North Karelia and to Russia. The term "South Karelia" might also be used to refer to the southern parts of the entire Karelia — the Region of South Karelia is termed "South" because it is the southernmost part of Karelia on Finnish territory.

Etelä-Karjalan maakunta Södra Karelens landskap Region FI187 Province Southern Finland Historical province Karelia Area 5,618 km² Population  - Total (2002)  - Density 136,694 24.3/km² Regional bird Thrush nightingale Regional fish Lake salmon Regional flora Kangasvuokko

Map highlighting the location of the Region of South Karelia

The Regions of North and South Karelia lie in Finland and the Karelian Republic in Russia. The Karelian Isthmus is part of the Leningrad Oblast.

Historical province

For History, Geography and Culture see: Karelia

Regional Council

Main article: South Karelia Regional Council

Municipalities

Main article: Municipalities of South Karelia

South Karelia is divided into 14 municipalities.

• Imatra
• Joutseno
• Lappeenranta
• Lemi
• Luumäki
• Parikkala
• Rautjärvi
• Ruokolahti
• Saari
• Savitaipale
• Suomenniemi
• Taipalsaari
• Uukuniemi
• Ylämaa

Heraldry

Main article: Heraldry of Karelia

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

External links

• South Karelia Region (http://www.ekarjala.fi/)