Vakka-Suomi

Summary

Vakka-Suomi is a sub-region within the Southwest Finland region. It consists of the town of Uusikaupunki and its surrounding municipalities of Kustavi, Laitila, Mietoinen, Mynämäki, Pyhäranta, Taivassalo and Vehmaa. This sub-region is in name only, without official government. The composition of the area is disputable, as communities within it have been and are merged into each other, even into ones that are not seen to belong into Vakka-Suomi. For example, Kalanti and Lokalahti are no longer their own municipalities, but a part of Uusikaupunki.

Vakka-Suomi sub-region
Vakka-Suomen seutukunta
Location of Vakka-Suomi sub-region
Country Finland
RegionSouthwest Finland
CapitalUusikaupunki
Population
 • Total30,202
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)

The name of the region originates from the 19th century, when a significant export of the region was vakkas. A vakka is a commonly a lightweight container made out of wood, generally carryable by two hands. A vakka usually has a flat bottom and a round shape. It has an easily fitting lid that has a locking mechanism and is commonly without hinges.

Municipalities edit

Coat of
arms
Municipality Population Land area
(km2)
Density
(/km2)
Finnish
speakers
Swedish
speakers
Other
speakers
  Kustavi 949 166 6 95 % 2 % 4 %
  Laitila 8,439 532 16 89 % 0 % 10 %
  Pyhäranta 1,927 144 13 98 % 1 % 3 %
  Taivassalo 1,701 140 12 93 % 1 % 6 %
  Uusikaupunki 14,939 503 30 93 % 0 % 8 %
  Vehmaa 2,247 189 12 95 % 1 % 4 %
Total 30,202 1,674 18 92 % 0 % 7 %