Karjala (disambiguation) facts for kids

Karjala is a Finnish word that means a few different things. Most often, it refers to a special region called Karelia. This region is located in Northern Europe, split between Finland and Russia. Karjala can also be a Finnish family name, like Smith or Jones in English. Sometimes, it's the name of a Finnish magazine. But in this article, we will mostly learn about the fascinating land of Karelia.

Karelia: A Land Between Finland and Russia

Karelia is a large area in Northern Europe. It stretches from the Baltic Sea in the west to the White Sea in the east. This land is famous for its many forests and lakes. It's a beautiful place with a unique history and culture.

Where is Karelia Located?

Karelia is divided into two main parts. One part is in Finland, called Finnish Karelia. The other, larger part, is in Russia. This Russian part is known as the Republic of Karelia. The border between these two countries runs right through the middle of the historical region.

Finnish Karelia

Finnish Karelia is in the southeastern part of Finland. It includes two regions: South Karelia and North Karelia. Cities like Lappeenranta and Joensuu are important centers here. This area is known for its beautiful lakes and green landscapes.

Russian Karelia

The Republic of Karelia is a federal subject of Russia. Its capital city is Petrozavodsk. This part of Karelia is much larger than the Finnish side. It has vast forests, many rivers, and two of Europe's largest lakes: Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega.

A Look at Karelia's History

Karelia has a long and interesting history. For centuries, it was a meeting point for different cultures. Both Sweden (which ruled Finland for a long time) and Russia wanted control of this land. This led to many conflicts over the years.

Early Times

In ancient times, different tribes lived in Karelia. They were often influenced by both Eastern and Western traditions. Trade routes passed through the region, connecting people from far away.

Swedish and Russian Rule

From the 13th century onwards, Sweden and Russia fought over Karelia. The border often changed after wars. This meant that families and villages sometimes found themselves under new rulers. This long history of changing hands has shaped the region's unique identity.

Modern Division

In the 20th century, especially after World War II, the border was set. A large part of Karelia became part of the Soviet Union (now Russia). Many people from the areas given to Russia moved to Finland. This event is a very important part of Karelian history.

People and Culture of Karelia

The people of Karelia have a rich culture. It blends influences from both Finnish and Russian traditions. This mix makes Karelian culture very special.

Languages

In Finnish Karelia, people mostly speak Finnish. In Russian Karelia, Russian is the main language. However, some people still speak Karelian. Karelian is a language closely related to Finnish. It is an important part of the region's heritage.

Traditions and Arts

Karelian culture is known for its folk songs and poems. The famous Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, is based on stories and songs collected from Karelia. Traditional Karelian crafts include weaving and woodworking. The food often features fish, berries, and rye bread.

Nature and Wildlife in Karelia

Karelia is a paradise for nature lovers. It has vast, untouched wilderness. This makes it a great place for animals and plants to thrive.

Forests and Lakes

The region is covered by huge forests, mainly pine and spruce trees. There are also thousands of lakes, big and small. These lakes are home to many types of fish. They are also popular for boating and fishing.

Animals of Karelia

Many wild animals live in Karelia's forests. You might find bears, wolfes, and moose. Smaller animals like foxes, hares, and various birds are also common. The clean environment helps these animals to live safely in their natural homes.