About us

Northern Lapland is the northernmost sub-region in Finland. Our location and the conditions at the top of Europe offer special strengths for the development of the region.

The three northernmost municipalities - get to know us

Northern Lapland is a sub-region of the municipalities of Inari, Utsjoki and Sodankylä, with a population of just under 17 000. The municipalities have a strong and distinctive identity.

Northern Lapland’s tourism, mining, research and testing and natural industries are strong sectors providing growth and employment. Internationalisation is an important part of the business culture in Northern Lapland. New local and nature-based industries and an emphasis on the Arctic are building the basis for regional attraction.

Read more about our member municipalities

Working together to move forward

Regional cooperation

Regional cooperation strengthens the competitiveness and visibility of the sub-region. Regional development and advocacy are strategic measures to achieve jointly agreed objectives.

Northern cooperation

The northern regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway form a globally significant economic region, whose innovations and investments support Finland’s position as a pioneer in northern and Arctic knowledge. The specificities of Northern Lapland also contribute to Europe’s resilience.

Looking to the horizon

The role and importance of the northern regions is growing. Lapland’s economy draws its resources from natural resources and a skilled workforce. At the heart of this are the fast-growing tourism and service industries and the forestry and metal processing industries, which need raw materials. Global crises and tensions are driving the EU’s review of self-sufficiency and the development of technologies towards cleaner energy solutions.

Strengthening Northern Lapland’s municipalities

Making a difference for Northern Lapland

Discover what we do