Central Ostrobothnia

Central Ostrobothnia is an administrative region in western Finland comprising eight municipalities with Kokkola as its capital along the Bothnian Bay coast. The area includes diverse communities ranging from urban centers to rural villages and agricultural landscapes.

The region was formally established in 2009 as a distinct administrative unit within Finland's governmental structure. This reorganization unified several municipalities under a new administrative framework.

The municipalities here maintain strong traditions in folk music and crafts that locals perform and exhibit regularly in their cultural centers. You can experience these local art forms during community events and gatherings throughout the year.

The region has two main administrative hubs in Kaustinen and Kokkola serving the population with various facilities and services. Educational institutions and public offices are distributed across the municipalities for convenient access.

Lake Lestijärvi is the principal water body shaping the region's character. The Eurasian skylark was chosen as the regional bird, while gneiss represents the official regional stone.

Location: Western and Central Finland Regional State Administrative Agency

Inception: January 1, 1994

Capital city: Kokkola

Shares border with: South Ostrobothnia, Ostrobothnia, international waters, North Ostrobothnia, Central Finland

Phone: +358401605700

Email: kirjaamo@keski-pohjanmaa.fi

Website: http://keski-pohjanmaa.fi

GPS coordinates: 63.50000,24.25000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:24