Rauma is a busy town with 38 000 inhabitants, a pacesetter in its region. Founded in 1442, this third-oldest town in Finland combines historic buildings, culture, modern industries and services, an expanding port and wide-ranging higher education.

Rauma is known for three historic features: picturesque Old Rauma, the elegance of its lace and a distinctive dialect, which is called the Rauma language. Old Rauma is one of four UNESCO world heritage sites in Finland. The only urban site, it exemplifies an original Nordic wooden town. The residents are proud of Rauma's architecture, which is a tourist attraction. Lace-making in Rauma has a long history. This handicraft, originally brought to Rauma by seamen, still flourishes.