Karelia

Many Karelias

East and West Karelias

Lappeenranta Landscape

Башня Выборгской крепости 06

Pekka Halonen - Tienraivaajia Karjalassa

Karelia today

Karelia is a region in northeastern Europe, known for its significant historical, cultural, and geographical attributes. It is divided between Russia and Finland, with the majority of the area belonging to Russia. The region has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, and it has been a crossroads of various cultures and influences, including the Slavs, Finns, and Scandinavians.

Geography

Karelia is characterized by its vast forests, numerous lakes, and rugged terrain. The region is bordered by the White Sea to the north, the Gulf of Finland to the south, the Baltic Sea to the west, and the Russian regions of Leningrad Oblast, Vologda Oblast, and Arkhangelsk Oblast to the east. The area is renowned for its natural beauty, including the Karelian Isthmus, Lake Ladoga, and Lake Onega - some of the largest lakes in Europe.

History

The history of Karelia is marked by its strategic location between East and West. Throughout the centuries, it has been a contested territory, primarily between Russia and Sweden, leading to its division in the modern era. The Treaty of Stolbovo in 1617 and the Treaty of Nystad in 1721 are significant historical events that shaped the borders of Karelia.

In the 20th century, Karelia was further affected by the Winter War (1939-1940) and the Continuation War (1941-1944) between Finland and the Soviet Union. These conflicts led to further adjustments of its borders, with significant portions of Finnish Karelia being ceded to the Soviet Union.

Culture

Karelian culture is a unique blend of Finnish, Russian, and indigenous influences. The region is known for its folklore, music, and traditional crafts, such as woodwork and weaving. The Karelian language, part of the Finno-Ugric language family, is spoken in various dialects throughout the region. However, its use has declined in favor of Finnish and Russian, depending on the area.

Economy

The economy of Karelia is diverse, with a strong emphasis on natural resources. Forestry, mining, and fishing are among the key industries. The region is also known for its tourism sector, attracting visitors with its stunning landscapes, national parks, and cultural heritage sites.

Modern Karelia

Today, Karelia is divided into two main parts: the Republic of Karelia, which is part of the Russian Federation, and the Finnish regions of South Karelia and North Karelia. Each area maintains its distinct identity but shares common cultural and historical ties with the broader Karelian region.