Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä (Finnish: [ˈjyʋæsˌkylæ] ) is a city in Finland and the regional capital of Central Finland. It is located in the Finnish Lakeland. The population of Jyväskylä is approximately 149,000, while the sub-region has a population of approximately 193,000. It is Finland's 7th most populous municipality, and fifth most populous urban area. Jyväskylä is located about 150 km (93 mi) northeast of Tampere, the third largest city in Finland; and about 270 km (170 mi) north of Helsinki, the national capital. The Jyväskylä sub-region includes Jyväskylä, Hankasalmi, Laukaa, Muurame, Petäjävesi, Toivakka, and Uurainen. Other neighbouring municipalities of Jyväskylä are Joutsa, Jämsä and Luhanka. Jyväskylä is the largest city in the Central Finland and Finnish Lakeland region. Jyväskylä was one of the fastest growing cities in Finland during the 20th century; in 1940, there were only 8,000 inhabitants in Jyväskylä. Elias Lönnrot, the author of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, nicknamed the city "the Athens of Finland". This nickname refers to Jyväskylä's important role as an educational centre. The works of the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto can be seen throughout the city. The city hosts the Rally Finland, which is part of the World Rally Championship. The annual Jyväskylä Arts Festival is also held in the city.