Simo, Finland

Simo, Finland
Simo is a municipality located in the province of Lapland, Finland, about from the Swedish border.
The municipality has a population of and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is . In 2001, Simo's debt per capita was 946.39 Euros.
Simo's three largest neighbouring towns are Oulu (inhabitants), Kemi (inhabitants) and Tornio (inhabitants). Some of the bigger neighbouring municipalities are Keminmaa (inhabitants) and Ii (inhabitants).
History
Early history
The oldest residential areas of Simo are the Simonkylä and Maksniemi regions. The oldest records of human habitation within Simo is found in the village of Simonkylä, which was occupied during the 1300s. In the 1500s the population of Simo began to grow as a result of migration, the population increased especially in the villages of Simonkylä and Simoniemi. Simo was known for its large farms and fishermen.
Development over the course of time
In the 1800s the population gradually began to expand along the beaches of the Simojoki river. In the year of 1865, a large municipal reform occurred in which the municipality, named Simo, received its actual borders, even though the area had long been referred to as Simo and the residents as simolaiset.
Lapland War
During the Lapland War, the village of Maksniemi suffered serious damage. Bridges along the Simojoki river were blown up by the German forces, which is why for quite some time after the war Simojoki had to be crossed by ferry. The destruction of the connection that the bridges provided was important as it cut off the municipality of Simo from Finnish Highway Four.
Geography
Simo is situated by the Bothnian Bay, at the mouth of river Simojoki. In Simo there is a rural landscape and also in the planning of the centre an attempt has been made to emphasise the nature vicinity. Simo consists of many small and vital village communities. Simo's sights include Simo's Church which was completed in 1846 during the late Empire time and light infantryman place with its statues which will be a memory from the war of independence when the route goes through Simo's wildernesses.
Islands
Islands within Simo are inclusive of:
Haahka
Halttari
Harvakari
Härkäletto
Junkiletto
Koivuluoto
Korkiakari
Kuralanletto
Laitakari
Lammasletto
Leipäre
Leipäreenkrunni
Lissabon
Louekari
Montaja
Munakari
Möyly
Oravainen
Paavonletto
Palokarinletto
Paskaletto
Pensasletot
Peurankallio
Pihlajakari
Pikku-Leipäre
Pirttisaari
Rajaletto
Saapaskari
Selkäkari
Selkäkarinmatala
Tiuranen
Tiurasenkalla
Tiurasenkrunni
Tynttyrit
Vatunki
Ykskivi
Ööperit
Villages
The villages of Simo are inclusive of:
Alaniemi
Asemakylä
Hamari
Karisuvanto
Koivuoja
Maksniemi
Malininperä
Matala
Ojalanperä
Onkalonperä
Patokoski
Pömiö
Simoniemi
Simonkylä
Siperianperä
Soikko
Taininiemi
Viantie
Ylikärppä
Economy
In Simo there is no industry. In 2007–2011, Fennovoima considered to build a 1,500 to 2,500 megawatt nuclear power plant in Karsikko and Laitakari. However, Fennovoima announced in October 2011 that the power plant would be built at Pyhäjoki.
Education
Simo has three elementary schools, one secondary school and a high school. The nearest university is in Oulu.
Notable individuals
Aarne Orjatsalo, actor
Esko Tavia, Mayor of Simo from 2002 - 2015
Juha Marttila, MTK chairman
Martti Miettunen, Minister of State, three times Prime Minister
Matti Lackman, Ph.D, principal investigator and philosopher
Seppo Lohi, Doctor of Theology
Tuomas Lohi, Mayor of Kempele
Veikko Huovinen, writer (born in Simo)
References
External links
Municipality of Simo – Official website
Populated coastal places in Finland
Populated places established in 1608
1608 establishments in Sweden
Municipalities of Lapland (Finland)