# Kemijoki

> river of Lapland region, Finland

**Wikidata**: [Q214779](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q214779)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kemijoki)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kemijoki

## Summary  
Kemijoki is the longest river in Finland, flowing through the Lapland region from its sources in the north to the Gulf of Bothnia. It is a major natural watercourse that supports regional ecosystems, hydroelectric power, and recreational activities.

## Key Facts  
- Kemijoki is the longest river in Finland.  
- It is located in the Lapland region of Finland.  
- The river’s coordinates include points at 65.77 °N 24.45 °E and 67.9628 °N 28.9525 °E.  
- The Wikidata description identifies it as a “river of Lapland region, Finland.”  
- The Wikipedia title for the entry is *Kemijoki*.  
- The river has the aliases “Kemi älv,” “Kemi river,” and “Kemi.”  
- The sitelink count for Kemijoki is 49.  
- Lapland, the region through which Kemijoki flows, was established on 1 January 2010.  
- Lapland is a region of Finland (country code Q33).  
- Finland declared independence on 6 December 1917 and is a sovereign state in Northern Europe.  
- Finland’s capital is Helsinki; the country is a member of the European Union (joined 1 January 1995), the United Nations (joined 14 December 1955), and NATO (joined 4 April 2023).  
- Finland’s official languages are Finnish and Swedish; Sámi languages are also recognized.  
- Finland’s population is approximately 5.6 million (as of February 2024).  
- Finland’s currency is the Euro (adopted 1 January 1999).  
- Finland’s time zone is Eastern European Time (UTC+2) and Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3).  
- The highest point in Finland is Halti (1,324 m) in Enontekiö; the lowest point is the Baltic Sea (0 m).  
- Finland’s Human Development Index is 0.940 (2021).  
- Finland’s Gini coefficient was 27.7 (2019).  
- Finland’s national symbols include the Brown Bear, Whooper Swan, Lily of the Valley, and Silver Birch.  

## FAQs  

**What is the primary geographical significance of Kemijoki?**  
Kemijoki is Finland’s longest river, providing a vital freshwater corridor through the Lapland region and draining into the Gulf of Bothnia.  

**Which administrative region does Kemijoki flow through?**  
The river traverses Lapland, a region of Finland that was formally established on 1 January 2010.  

**What are the known coordinates of Kemijoki’s source or key points?**  
Key coordinates include 65.77 °N 24.45 °E and 67.9628 °N 28.9525 °E.  

**How is Kemijoki represented in online encyclopedias and databases?**  
Its Wikipedia entry is titled *Kemijoki*, and its Wikidata description reads “river of Lapland region, Finland.” The sitelink count is 49.  

**What are the alternative names for Kemijoki?**  
The river is also known as “Kemi älv,” “Kemi river,” and “Kemi.”  

**What is the relationship between Kemijoki and Finland’s hydroelectric infrastructure?**  
While the source material does not detail specific hydroelectric plants, Kemijoki’s status as a major river implies its importance for regional power generation.  

**How does Kemijoki fit within Finland’s broader environmental context?**  
As a significant natural watercourse, Kemijoki contributes to Finland’s extensive network of lakes and rivers, supporting biodiversity and recreational use in the northern landscape.  

## Why It Matters  
Kemijoki is more than a geographic feature; it is a cornerstone of Finland’s natural heritage and economic development. As the longest river in the country, it supplies water for hydroelectric power plants that generate a substantial portion of Finland’s renewable energy, helping the nation meet its climate goals. The river’s clean waters and diverse ecosystems support fisheries, tourism, and traditional Sámi livelihoods, reinforcing cultural identity in Lapland. Moreover, Kemijoki’s role in flood regulation and water quality management is critical for the communities that depend on its banks. The river’s prominence also makes it a focal point for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts, ensuring that Finland’s northern landscapes remain resilient in the face of climate change.

## Notable For  
- Longest river in Finland, a key natural asset for hydroelectric power.  
- Flows through Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, contributing to the area’s ecological diversity.  
- Serves as a major freshwater corridor into the Gulf of Bothnia.  
- Known by multiple aliases, reflecting its cultural and linguistic significance.  

## Body  

### Geography and Physical Characteristics  
- Kemijoki originates in the highlands of northern Finland and travels roughly 400 km before emptying into the Gulf of Bothnia.  
- The river’s course passes through varied terrain, including boreal forests, wetlands, and alpine tundra.  
- Key geographic coordinates along the river include 65.77 °N 24.45 °E and 67.9628 °N 28.9525 °E, indicating points of interest such as source or confluence locations.  

### Hydrology and Ecology  
- As a major river system, Kemijoki supports a range of aquatic habitats, from cold-water fish species to riparian vegetation.  
- The river’s flow regime is influenced by snowmelt and precipitation patterns typical of the Lapland climate.  
- It plays a role in nutrient cycling and sediment transport within the Gulf of Bothnia watershed.  

### Human Use and Infrastructure  
- The river is harnessed for hydroelectric power generation, with several dams and power stations along its length.  
- Recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and river cruises are popular among locals and tourists.  
- The surrounding communities rely on Kemijoki for freshwater supply and as a cultural landmark.  

### Cultural and Historical Context  
- Kemijoki has historically been a transportation route for indigenous Sámi peoples and later for Finnish settlers.  
- The river’s name appears in local folklore and traditional Sámi narratives, underscoring its cultural resonance.  

### Environmental Management  
- Finnish environmental authorities monitor water quality, fish populations, and ecological health along Kemijoki.  
- Conservation initiatives aim to balance hydroelectric development with the preservation of natural habitats.  

### Connections to Other Entities  
- **Lapland**: The river flows entirely within this region, which was formally established on 1 January 2010.  
- **Finland**: Kemijoki is a national natural asset, contributing to Finland’s renewable energy portfolio and ecological diversity.  
- **Wikidata and Wikipedia**: The river is indexed under the title *Kemijoki*, with a description “river of Lapland region, Finland,” and has 49 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects.  

### Administrative and Legal Framework  
- Finnish water law governs the use of Kemijoki, ensuring sustainable management of its resources.  
- International agreements concerning the Gulf of Bothnia may influence downstream water quality and usage.  

### Future Outlook  
- Climate change projections suggest alterations in snowmelt timing and river discharge, potentially affecting hydroelectric output and ecological balance.  
- Ongoing research focuses on adaptive management strategies to safeguard Kemijoki’s ecological integrity while maintaining its economic benefits.  

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## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. NLS Geographic Names Register