Savukoski

Savukoski [ sɑvukɔski ] ( Northern Sami Suovvaguoika ) is a municipality in the Finnish part of Lapland.

In addition to the main town Savukoski the parish includes the widely scattered settlements Kuosku, Martti, Nousu, Tanhua, Lunkkaus, Viitaranta and Värriö. With a population density of only 0.18 inhabitants per square kilometer of territory Savukoski is the least populated municipality of all of Finland. Traditionally, of great importance is the reindeer; breeding cooperative Kemi - Sompio is the largest among Finland.

However, by far the largest industry is forestry. After a good part of the forest of the region was affected by often reckless logging in the past, today, about a third of the municipal area is designated as a nature reserve.

As generally in structurally weak Lapland unemployment in Savukoski a big problem: In January 2007 the municipality had 21.4 % the fourth highest unemployment rate of all Finnish municipalities on.

In the district Savukoskis is also the mountain Korvatunturi which is the residence of Santa Claus convinced the Finns. In addition to the year-round "Christmas tourism ' attracts Savukoski also fishing and hunting tourists.