Kotka - Finland

Located on the southeastern coast of Finland, at the mouth of the Kymi River, Kotka is a vibrant town that offers a unique blend of industrial heritage, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. As the 17th most populous municipality in Finland and the 16th most populous urban area, Kotka boasts a population of approximately 54,000 people within its city limits, with around 95,000 inhabitants in the surrounding sub-region. Kotka's strategic location on the Gulf of Finland makes it an important port and industrial center, with the Port of Kotka serving as a major Finnish seaport for both domestic and international trade. The city is connected to the rest of Finland via Finnish national road 7 (E18), which runs west to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and east to St. Petersburg, Russia. Despite its industrial roots, Kotka is also a culturally rich city with a diverse range of schools and educational institutions. The city center, situated on the picturesque Kotkansaari island, offers a charming atmosphere with a mix of old and new architecture. Kotka's neighboring municipalities include Hamina, Kouvola, and Pyhtää, making it an integral part of the Kymenlaakso region. While Kotka scores well in terms of culture (A-) and amenities (B), its commute score is relatively average (B). The city's health score is slightly lower (B-), which may be due to the presence of industrial activities. Childcare and education also receive a B- rating, indicating room for improvement. Noise pollution is a concern in Kotka, with a C rating, likely due to its port and industrial activities. In terms of demographics, approximately 95% of the population speaks Finnish as their native language, while around 1% speak Swedish, and 4% speak other languages. This linguistic diversity adds to the city's cultural richness and makes it an attractive destination for visitors and new residents alike. Overall, Kotka is a dynamic city that offers a unique blend of industry, culture, and natural beauty. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of noise pollution and childcare, Kotka remains an important center in southern Finland and a great place to live, work, and visit.

Kotka

Kotka
Country: Finland
Population: 50477
Area: 277.95 square kilometre
Web: https://www.kotka.fi/
City manager: Esa Sirviö
Postal code: 48400