1. LOCATION:
Turku is located on the southwestern coast of Finland, at the mouth of the Aura River, which flows into the Archipelago Sea. It is situated in the southwestern part of the country.
2. GEOGRAPHIC BORDERS:
Turku is bordered by the Archipelago Sea to the south and west, the municipalities of Kaarina and Rusko to the north, and the municipality of Lieto to the east.
3. SIGNIFICANCE IN HISTORY:
As the oldest city in Finland, Turku has a rich history dating back over 800 years. It served as the capital of Finland until 1812 and played a crucial role in the development of Finnish culture, commerce, and politics. Turku Cathedral, founded in the 13th century, is a testament to the city's historical importance.
4. AREA:
Turku covers an area of approximately 245 square kilometers (95 square miles), making it the sixth-largest city in Finland by land area.
5. POPULATION AND DENSITY:
As of September 2021, Turku had a population of over 190,000 people, with a population density of around 770 inhabitants per square kilometer. While it is not as densely populated as Helsinki, Turku is a vibrant urban center with a diverse population.
6. LANGUAGE:
Finnish is the primary language spoken in Turku, as it is throughout Finland. Swedish is also an official language and widely spoken, particularly in coastal areas like Turku.
7. LANDMARKS:
Turku is home to several notable landmarks, including Turku Castle, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century and is one of the largest surviving medieval castles in Finland. The Turku Archipelago, consisting of thousands of islands and islets, is also a significant natural landmark and popular destination for outdoor activities.
8. ECONOMY:
Turku has a diverse economy, with key sectors including maritime industries, technology, education, and healthcare. The Port of Turku is one of the busiest ports in Finland, facilitating trade and transportation.
9. GASTRONOMY:
Turku's culinary scene features traditional Finnish cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients such as fish, berries, and mushrooms. The city's vibrant food markets, such as Turku Market Hall, offer a variety of fresh produce and artisanal products.
10. FLAG AND LOGO
Turku's flag features a blue field with a yellow cross, similar to the flag of Finland. The city's coat of arms, located in the upper left corner, depicts a red griffin holding a silver sword on a blue background. The griffin is a symbol of protection and strength, representing Turku's historical significance as a fortress city.
Turku is located on the southwestern coast of Finland, at the mouth of the Aura River, which flows into the Archipelago Sea. It is situated in the southwestern part of the country.
2. GEOGRAPHIC BORDERS:
Turku is bordered by the Archipelago Sea to the south and west, the municipalities of Kaarina and Rusko to the north, and the municipality of Lieto to the east.
3. SIGNIFICANCE IN HISTORY:
As the oldest city in Finland, Turku has a rich history dating back over 800 years. It served as the capital of Finland until 1812 and played a crucial role in the development of Finnish culture, commerce, and politics. Turku Cathedral, founded in the 13th century, is a testament to the city's historical importance.
4. AREA:
Turku covers an area of approximately 245 square kilometers (95 square miles), making it the sixth-largest city in Finland by land area.
5. POPULATION AND DENSITY:
As of September 2021, Turku had a population of over 190,000 people, with a population density of around 770 inhabitants per square kilometer. While it is not as densely populated as Helsinki, Turku is a vibrant urban center with a diverse population.
6. LANGUAGE:
Finnish is the primary language spoken in Turku, as it is throughout Finland. Swedish is also an official language and widely spoken, particularly in coastal areas like Turku.
7. LANDMARKS:
Turku is home to several notable landmarks, including Turku Castle, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century and is one of the largest surviving medieval castles in Finland. The Turku Archipelago, consisting of thousands of islands and islets, is also a significant natural landmark and popular destination for outdoor activities.
8. ECONOMY:
Turku has a diverse economy, with key sectors including maritime industries, technology, education, and healthcare. The Port of Turku is one of the busiest ports in Finland, facilitating trade and transportation.
9. GASTRONOMY:
Turku's culinary scene features traditional Finnish cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients such as fish, berries, and mushrooms. The city's vibrant food markets, such as Turku Market Hall, offer a variety of fresh produce and artisanal products.
10. FLAG AND LOGO
Turku's flag features a blue field with a yellow cross, similar to the flag of Finland. The city's coat of arms, located in the upper left corner, depicts a red griffin holding a silver sword on a blue background. The griffin is a symbol of protection and strength, representing Turku's historical significance as a fortress city.