The Coastline – one of the strongest areas in Finland
Ostrobothnia – the Coastline from Kristinestad in the south to Kokkola in the north – covers an area of about 10.000 sq.km. About 200.000 people live in the area, of which 51 % are Finnish-speakers and 48 % Swedish-speakers.
The area has a strong tradition of entrepreneurship and the largest number of companies per capita on the mainland of Finland. The export share of approximately 71 % is also exceptionally high. Another indicator of the area’s strong economy is that the unemployment rate is the lowest in the country.
Kokkola has a significant concentration of inorganic chemistry businesses. The city provides a complete, top-class operating environment for large-scale industry due to its excellent logistics and location. Transport connections include the first all-weather terminal in the Nordic countries.
Jakobstad also called Pietarsaari in Finnish, is a hub of small and medium-sized export companies. The city is full of export-oriented niche businesses that thrive on the global markets. There are companies that have fewer than 50 employees yet export to more than 50 countries.
Vaasa is home to the biggest concentration of energy technology companies in the Nordic countries. Vaasa’s export percentage in industrial production is nearly 80, which makes it the biggest exporting city in Finland. In 2017, Vaasa Airport was selected as the airport of the year in Finland. The number of passengers has steadily increased and the airport is now the sixth largest in the country.
Facts about Finland – at the forefront in the world
Finland tends to do well in international comparisons, whether it’s about education, health or safety:
- Finland is the most stable state and the safest country in the world.
- Finland has the strongest digital competence capital in Europe.
- Finland’s primary education has year after year been ranked among the best in the world by the OECD.
- Finland holds the first place in the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University.
- Finland has for long been among the least corrupt countries in the world; in 2017 the country was third on Transparency International’s list.
Finland is located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern markets, providing an easy access to the growing markets of Northern Europe and Russia. Finland offers a highly globalized and dynamic business environment with functional infrastructure, modern logistics and communications networks. English is widely spoken throughout the population, as well as other languages of international business.
Useful links:
Coastline Magazine presents dozens of export companies and their stories of success
Invest in Kokkola
Doing business in Jakobstad region
Invest in Vaasa
Invest in Finland
Visit Kokkola
Visit Jakobstad
Visit Vaasa
This is Finland
