Kuopio is a Finnish city located in the province of Eastern Finland and the region of Northern Savonia. The city is surrounded by lake Kallavesi, and several parts of it are built on islands. Kuopio is known for its association with a national delicacy, Finnish fish pastry (Kalakukko), and the dialect of Savo, as well as the hill of Puijo and the Puijo tower. Besides being a very popular outdoor recreation area, Puijo serves also as a stage for a yearly World Cup ski jumping competition.

People and culture

Kuopio is known as the cultural center of Eastern Finland. A wide range of musical (from kindergarten to doctorate-level studies) and dance education is available and the cultural life is active. Notable events include Kuopio Dance Festival, Kuopio Wine Festival and Finland Ice Marathon.
In Finland the inhabitants of Kuopio have a special reputation: they are known as jovial and verbally joking. People of Kuopio region and Eastern Finland have always had many health problems and the mortality has been higher than on an average in Finland.