Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. It is located 134 kilometres (83 mi) northeast of the capital, Helsinki.
The city has a population of 88,396 (30 June 2009) and covers an area of 2,885.32 square kilometres (1,114.03 sq mi) of which 325.26 km2 (125.58 sq mi) is water. The population density is 34.53 inhabitants per square kilometre (89.4 /sq mi).
Kouvola's central location within Finland's borders and as a border post between the European Union and Russian Federation makes it a quite lively town. However, Kouvola has a reputation of being a dull and uninteresting place. The town originally grew up around the junction of the north–south and east–west rail tracks. It was also a major road transport junction. Kouvola still treasures and benefits from its logistically good location.
In January 2009, the six municipalities – Kouvola, Kuusankoski, Elimäki, Anjalankoski, Valkeala and Jaala – were consolidated, accounting for the new municipality of Kouvola.
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