Kuopio is a centre of health, well- being and environmeltal competence, providing services that promote the well- being and boost the activity of local residents. is known as the best environment for children to grow up. Welcome to the capital of happiness! 62°53’33”N 27°40’42”E Kuopio – among the best by figures

• Kuopio was ranked number one in developmental dynamics of vitality (MDI 2017). • Kuopio’s public image is the second best among the large Finnish cities (Taloustutkimus 2018). • According to a study of peoples’ willingness to relocate, Kuopio placed as fifth when choosing a preferred city to move into in (Taloustutkimus 2018). • Kuopio is also the home of the most content inhabitants in Finland (EPSI Rating 2017). Strong growth centre and an active university city

• Centre of Eastern Finland • Aproximately 118 700 inhabitants

• 9th largest city in Finland • city of trade and education • city of sports • city of culture • city of tourism • city of modern industry • most free-time residences • A universty city focusing on well-being, health and environmental know competence • City of dance and music URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF STRONG GROWTH AND BOLD DEVELOPMENT Savilahti Europe’s most captivating learning and innovation environment

• Work, residential and educational centre for 35,000 people during the 2020’s.

• There will be homes for 7,000 people, educational institutions for 15,000 students and workplaces for 16,000 experts.

• 600,000–700,000 m² of building; 1,5–2 billion euros investments.

• Lakeside living close to nature and new kind of learning and working environment by the Lake Kallavesi. Pleasant and dynamic pedestrian centre

• Nationally known market place and a market hall with a rejuvenated look

• Smooth access to underground parking facility under the market place – right in the middle of the city – 24 hours a day

• Anti-freezing system of pavements and streets makes running of errands in the city centre easier

• Busy tourist harbour and opportunities for versatile sports and cultural activities are located near the city centre Future developments

• Gateway to Kuopio Kuopionlahti • Kuntolaakso • Finnpulp Oy:n uuden bioproduct mill – workplaces for 3400 experts • Tahkon tourism centre A GOOD ENVIRON- MENT FOR CHILDREN TO GROW UP Living close to nature

• The built structures of the City of Kuopio follow the contours of the terrain and the traffic routes. The city is expanding towards south, where the new suburb is emerging to Hiltulanlahti.

• About one-half of the residents of Kuopio live in apartment houses, and almost every third in a detached house.

• Kuopio offers residential areas close to nature, with excellent public transport and opportunities for outdoor activities.

• 80% of the residents of Kuopio live in an urban environment, and 20% in rural areas: due to municipal mergers, Kuopio has a lot of rural areas. Housing and quality of life

• Kuopio has some 6,340 km of shoreline (59 m for every resident)

• The new urban suburb Saaristokaupunki represents high-quality, proactive urban planning: • Close to nature; easy access to services • Opportunities for pastime activities and local sports • The maximum distance to the Lake Kallavesi is 500 metres • A direct connection to the city centre along Saaristokatu (Island Road) • Art exhibitions at the SaaristoGalleria gallery • The annual housing fair was held in Saaristokaupunki in 2010. The fair area Lehtoniemen Helmi is a manifestation of a Finnish housing dream come true: detached houses by the lake. CENTRE FOR HIGH-LEVEL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH From playschool pupil to neurosurgeon

• Kuopio offers versatile educational opportunities from playschool to university, and from vocational training to stimulating free-time activities.

• The Emergency Services College, located in Kuopio, is the only national vocational education institution and training centre in Finland for rescue services and emergency response staff.

• Kuopio is the only place outside where the whole range of music and dance education is available from music and dance schools for children all through to a university degree.

• Savilahti campus is on its way to becoming Europe's most captivating learning and innovation centre. Education and research in Kuopio

• High-quality educational opportunities from early childhood education to high school

• Plenty of alternatives for further studies

• Versatile secondary level vocational education • the broad-ranging Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Humak University of Applied Sciences and the Emergency Services College • University of Eastern Finland • Kuopio Unit of Sibelius Academy University of the Arts

• A.I.Virtanen Institute Promoting health and wellbeing

Kuopio is a premier city in Finland focusing on well- being, health and securoty competence.

University of Eastern Finland, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio University Hospital and national research institutes conduct internationally significant and recognized research, education and product development work. The strategy of Kuopio emphasize preventive well-being services. Kuopio has been one of the active representatives in the worldwide WHO Healthy Cities -network since 2005. One of the most recent examples is the Human Security Finland -network. Growing city with multiple sectors of industry and services

• There are some 7 000 enterprises in Jobs by are of operation in Kuopio

Kuopio, with more than 50 600 jobs. Agriculture, forestry and Water and waste Industry management unknown fishery Other services 3 % 1 % 5 % 1 % Manufacturing • A significant part of the residents of 6 % Public services Construction Kuopio work in services, either in the and national 7 % defence 36 % Accommodation public or the private sector. and food service activities 21 %

Information and Financial and communication Administrative and 3 % Real estate insurance support service activities activities activities 1 % 2 % 14 % 1000 000 15 INTERNA- TIONAL UNIVERSITY TWIN AROUND 200 AROUND GUESTS OF CITIES EXPORT 3000 IN YEAR EASTERN COMPANIES FOREIGNERS FINLAND AND IN & CO 300 IMPORT KUOPIO COMPANIES CITY OF EVENTS

Multitude of interesting events through the year • International Kuopio Dance Festival • Kuopio Rockcock • Kuopio Wine Festival • ANTI - Contemporary Art Festival • Finland Ice Marathon • Nilsiä Music and Dance camp • Kuopio Celebrates KUOPIO-TAHKO TOURISM CENTRE

Uniquely for Finland, the Kuopio- Tahko region encompasses a vibrant city, with a diverse economy and an internationally recognised university, and one of the country's biggest year-round travel destinations within the same municipality. HEALTH, VITALITY AND THE RICHNESS OF EVERYDAY LIFE WELCOME TO THE CAPITAL OF GOOD LIFE!

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