Paltamo

Paltamo [ pɑltɑmɔ ] (Swedish historically Paldamo ) is a municipality in the north- eastern Finland. It is located about 500 kilometers north of the capital Helsinki around the eastern end of the lake Oulujärvi.

In addition to the eponymous capital of Paltamo on the shore of the village Oulusees Kontiomäki and settlements Hakasuo, Härmänmäki, Kivesjärvi, Melalahti and Mies Lahti belong to the community.

The word Paltamo means " Teerboot ", ie an elongated boat, was transported to the viscous tar. The Teerbrennerei was Paltamo as in the entire landscape Kainuu to the 20th century an important industry; the tar obtained from the local forests was then shipped across the Oulujoki to the coast, from where it was then exported abroad. Three of the said Teerbote also adorn the coat of arms of the municipality.

For decades Paltamo suffers as the entire region from the decline of forestry and caused by the geographic isolation of structural weakness and had so experienced a significant population decline. 2004, the unemployment rate at around 22 percent, far above the national average. However, the infrastructure compared to other municipalities in the region is quite favorable. Paltamo situated on the state road 22 and has its own railway station on the route Oulu Kontiomäki. There are also regular bus services to approximately 35 km south Kajaani, the nearest city.

In addition to the scenic Lake District, the main attraction is a Paltamos built in 1726, wooden church. Paltamo is also known as the birthplace of the writer Eino Leino (1878-1926) and the "Giant " Daniel Cajanus.

Paltamo maintains partnerships with the communities in Lycksele Sweden and Pitkjaranta in the Russian Republic of Karelia.