Central Ostrobothnia
Finland's narrowest point (190km coast-to-border)—Kokkola's zinc and cobalt processing positions for battery supply chains while Swedish-speaking minority maintains bilingual Ostrobothnian character.
Central Ostrobothnia spans Finland's narrowest point—only 190 kilometers separating Gulf of Bothnia from Russian border. Kokkola, the regional center, serves chemical industry needs and handles port traffic. The region's 68,000 residents make it Finland's second-smallest by population.
Chemicals and metals processing anchor industrial employment—Kokkola's zinc and cobalt production serves battery manufacturing supply chains. This positioning for electrification's mineral needs creates growth potential if demand materializes. Bioeconomy development—biofuels, wood products—complements traditional forest industry.
The Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnian minority maintains cultural presence; some municipalities operate primarily in Swedish. This bilingual character distinguishes western Finland from predominantly Finnish-speaking interior.
Fur farming historically supported regional economy; animal welfare concerns and changing fashion reduced this sector. The region adapts—finding new industries, managing cultural transitions, maintaining viability despite small population. Central Ostrobothnia demonstrates that even Finland's smallest regions can host significant industrial operations when logistics and resources align.