Oulu

Oulu (Swedish: Uleåborg) is a city in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. It is the biggest city in the Northern Finland. The population of Oulu was about 193,000 in January 2014. It is the sixth largest city in Finland.

Oulu flag

Oulu Coat of Arms

Municipalities next to Oulu are Hailuoto, Ii, Kempele, Liminka, Lumijoki, Muhos, Pudasjärvi, Tyrnävä and Utajärvi.

There is a university in Oulu. The university is one of the largest in Finland, with over 15,000 students.

Many people work in technology firms making mobile phones, computers and software.

History

The cathedral of Oulu

Oulu was established in 1605, so it is more than 400 years old. In the old days, Oulu was famous for selling tar all over the world.

Subdivisions

Oulu has 106 city districts.

In 2009, the former municipality of Ylikiiminki became a part of Oulu. In 2013, the former municipalities of Haukipudas, Kiiminki, Oulunsalo and Yli-Ii were merged to form the city of Oulu.

Places to visit in Oulu

The Rantakatu street by the market

• Oulu Cathedral
• Hupisaaret Park
• The market and the old market hall

Gallery

Gallery

• 
  1800's Oulu
• 
  Oulun Lyseon lukio school
• 
  Railway station

Population growth

Population

Year	Population
1980	121,809
1990	136,029
2000	160,851
2010	185,419