South Ostrobothnia (Södra Österbotten)
- 🏛️ Administrative centre: Seinäjoki
- 🌍 Region: western Finland,
inland plains - 📍 Location: borders:
Satakunta, Pirkanmaa, Central Finland, Central Ostrobothnia and Ostrobothnia - 📐 Area: 13,798 km² (land area)
- 👥 Population: 189,474 (Dec 31, 2025)
- ⛰️ Relief: flat river plains and farmland, forests and lakes to the east
- 🗣️ Official language: Finnish
- ⏰ Time zone: EET (UTC +2, DST EEST +3)
- 💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)
- 🌧️ Climate: continental (Dfb/Dfc)
Answers to frequently asked questions
What is the population of South Ostrobothnia?
The population of South Ostrobothnia was 189,474 on Dec 31, 2025 (Statistics Finland), a change of -1.4% since 2020.
What is the largest city in South Ostrobothnia?
The largest municipality is Seinäjoki with 67,283 residents (Dec 31, 2025), followed by Kurikka (19,441) and Kauhava (14,909).
How many municipalities are there in South Ostrobothnia?
South Ostrobothnia has 18 municipalities (as of Jan 1, 2026), 8 of which have city status: Seinäjoki, Kurikka, Kauhava, Lapua, Kauhajoki, Alavus, Alajärvi, Ähtäri.
What is the administrative centre of South Ostrobothnia?
The regional centre is Seinäjoki.
How many businesses are there in South Ostrobothnia?
South Ostrobothnia had 26,415 business establishments in 2024 (Statistics Finland), including 1,545 retail outlets.
How large is South Ostrobothnia?
The land area is 13,798 km² and the population density 13.7 residents per km² (Dec 31, 2025).