Saimaa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saimaa |
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| Saimen | |
View from Joutseno town in western direction.
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| Location | southeastern Finland |
| Coordinates | 61°15′N 028°15′E / 61.250°N 28.250°E |
| Primary outflows | Vuoksi River, Saimaa Canal |
| Basin countries | Finland |
| Surface area | 4,400 km2 (1,700 sq mi) total (1,377 km2 (532 sq mi) largest basin) |
| Average depth | 17 m (56 ft) |
| Max. depth | 82 m (269 ft) |
| Water volume | 36 km3 (8.6 cu mi) |
| Shore length1 | 13,700 km (8,500 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 76 m (249 ft) |
| Islands | 3507 |
| Settlements | Lappeenranta, Imatra, Savonlinna, Mikkeli, Joensuu |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Saimaa is a large lake in southeastern Finland. It is about 4,400 square kilometres (1,700 sq mi) in size. This makes it the biggest lake in Finland. It is also the fourth largest natural freshwater lake in Europe. Saimaa was formed when glaciers melted at the end of the Ice Age.
Many towns are located on the shores of Lake Saimaa. These include Lappeenranta, Imatra, Savonlinna, Mikkeli, Varkaus, and Joensuu. The Vuoksi River flows from Saimaa into Lake Ladoga. Lake Saimaa has many islands and narrow waterways. These waterways divide the lake into many parts, each with its own name. Some of the main parts are Suur-Saimaa, Orivesi, Puruvesi, Haukivesi, Yövesi, Pihlajavesi, and Pyhäselkä.
Contents
A Maze of Water and Islands
The Saimaa area has more shoreline per square kilometer than almost anywhere else in the world. Its total shoreline is nearly 15,000 kilometres (9,300 mi) long. There are also about 14,000 islands in the region. This shows how detailed and complex the lake system is.
Waterways and Trade
The Saimaa Canal connects Lake Saimaa to the Gulf of Finland. This canal runs from Lappeenranta to Vyborg. Other canals link Saimaa to smaller lakes in Eastern Finland. Together, these canals create a large network of waterways.
These waterways are mainly used to transport goods. Things like wood, minerals, metals, and pulp are moved on the water. But tourists also use these waterways for boat trips and cruises.
Unique Animals of Saimaa
Lake Saimaa is home to some very special and rare animals.
Saimaa Ringed Seal
One of the most famous animals is the Saimaa Ringed Seal. This freshwater seal lives only in Lake Saimaa. It is an endangered species, meaning there are not many left.
Saimaa Salmon
Another endangered species in the lake is the Saimaa salmon. Efforts are being made to protect these unique fish.
History of Lake Saimaa
About 6,000 years ago, ancient Lake Saimaa was much larger. It covered nearly 9,000 km2 (3,500 sq mi). Then, its water suddenly flowed out through a new path. This event created many new wet areas around the lake. After this, more people lived in the region for a while. But later, the area changed back to old forests, and the population went down.
The areas around Lake Saimaa are very popular for summer cabins. Many people enjoy spending their holidays here. Lake cruises are also a favorite activity for visitors.
Images for kids
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Pusa hispida saimensis, also known as Saimaa ringed seal, in 1956.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Saimaa para niños
