South Karelia
South Karelia (or Southern Karelia, ; ) is a region of Finland. It borders the regions of Kymenlaakso, South Savo and North Karelia, as well as Russia (Republic of Karelia and Leningrad Oblast). Historical province For history, geography and culture see: Finnish Karelia Regional Council The Regional Council of South Karelia is a joint municipal authority of nine member municipalities. The council operates as the authority for regional development and unit for regional planning and looks after regional interests and to promote economic development and cultural well-being in South Karelia. The council has statutory responsibility for regional development and planning. The EU's regional Objective Programmes for South Karelia have partly been prepared in the council as it also implements and coordinates various projects. The council is also represented in several international organisations, such as AEBR. Municipalities The region of South Karelia is made up of nine municipalities, of which two have city status (marked in bold). Imatra Sub-region: Imatra Population: Parikkala Population: Rautjärvi Population: Ruokolahti (Ruokolax) Population: Lappeenranta Sub-region: Lappeenranta (Villmanstrand) Population: Lemi Population: Luumäki Population: Savitaipale Population: Taipalsaari Population: Tourism South Karelia is a popular tourist area in Finland with its special features – its nature, its location between