Kárášjohka/Karasjok facts for kids
 Coat of arms
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| Capital | Karasjok 69°28′55″N 25°06′18″E / 69.48194°N 25.10500°E |
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| Demonym(s) | Karasjoking |
| Establishment | 1 Jan 1866 |
Quick facts for kids Area |
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5,209.46 km2 (2,011.38 sq mi) (2) |
Kárášjohka (which is also called Karasjok in Norwegian) is a special area in Norway. It's part of the larger Kárášjohka/Karasjok municipality.
This municipality is unique because it has two official languages: Sami and Norwegian. Most people living here speak Sami as their main language. In fact, it's one of only two places in Norway where this is true!
Contents
History of Karasjok
Before the 1700s, it's thought that no one lived in Karasjok all the time. Instead, the area was used by nomads, who were people who moved from place to place.
Karasjok During World War II
During World War II, a concentration camp was built in Karasjok. It was called Lager IV Karasjok. This camp was managed by the SS, a powerful group from Nazi Germany. It was one of the first Nazi camps in Northern Norway.
In July 1943, many prisoners were brought to the camp. Most of them were from Yugoslavia. Their job was to make the road to Karigasniemi, Finland, wider. After about four or five months, only a small number of these prisoners were still alive. Before the remaining prisoners were moved from Karasjok, many lives were lost.
Events After World War II
In 2015, Karasjok hosted the second Sapmi Pride festival. This event celebrates the LGBT community. Some groups protested this event and certain church services. For example, a group called Norges Samemisjon cancelled one of their radio shows because of it.
Education in Karasjok
Main Language at Secondary School
Karasjok has a Sami secondary school. A secondary school is like a high school where students continue their education after primary school. This school is one of only two like it in Norway.
In the school year that started in August 2009, most students (73%) said Sami was their main language. The other 27% said Sami was their second language. This school is run by the government.
