Kuopio is a developing centre for Eastern Finland, casting its influence over an area that contains 600,000 people. There are 86,000 inhabitants in Kuopio, 90% live in the city and suburbs and 10% in rural areas.

Kuopio is a thriving modern city. Compared to the whole country, the average age of the population is lower than elsewhere.

The city covers nearly 1,200 km2, of which 34% is water. The shoreline is 1,600 km long. Kuopio is surrounded by lake Kallavesi.

Kuopio is easily reached by road, rail, air or water. The main artery of the region is highway no 5 leading from Helsinki to Lapland.

The distance from the capital of Finland, Helsinki, is 400 km, 45 minutes by air. The ship route from Kuopio to the Baltic Sea is navigable most of the year.

Naturally beautiful, surrounded by lakes and forests, Kuopio thrives on a dynamic blend of high technology and beautiful unspoilt Finnish nature. The Savo people are famously friendly and good tempered, always ready to receive and welcome guests from home or abroad.

- Unique experiences in beautiful natural surroundings are offered to visitors all year round: steamer cruises, fishing expeditions, quad-bike safaris, theme parties, winter golf, snowmobiling...

- Town was founded by Gustav III, King of Sweden, in 1775 as a centre of trade and administration