Mikkeli

Mikkeli (Finnish: [ˈmikːeli]; Swedish: S:t Michel) is a city in, and the regional capital of, South Savo, Finland, located in the Finnish Lakeland. The population is approximately 52,000, while the Mikkeli sub-region of South Savo has a population of approximately 68,000. Mikkeli is the 18th most-populous municipality of Finland and the 19th most-populous urban area in the country. Mikkeli is located on the shores of Lake Saimaa, the largest lake in the country, and Europe's fourth largest. Prior to being located within South Savo, the city was in Mikkeli Province (until 1997), before becoming part of Eastern Finland Province (1997-2009). The city covers an area of 3,229.57 square kilometres (1,246.94 sq mi), of which 424.7 km2 (164.0 sq mi) is water. Mikkeli is one of the largest towns in the South Savo region, and one of the main hubs in the region's hospital districts, along with Savonlinna. During World War II, Mikkeli served as the headquarters for the Finnish Defence Forces, thus the town's coat of arms features a pair of crossed Marshal C. G. E. Mannerheim batons in honour of the armed forces. The town was awarded the Cross of Liberty, 4th Class, which is displayed alongside the coat of arms.