by Przemysław Myszka

Today's Pietarsaari was founded as Jakobstad in 1652 in what was at that time one of Sweden Crown's dominions.

The town continues to have strong ties to Finland's neighbour even today, with over half of the population being Swedish speakers, hence the dual name of the seaport.

Under whichever rule, however, the livelihood and prosperity of Pietarsaari/Jakobstad have always been closely linked to, on the one hand, the shipping business, and, on the other hand, the forest industry.

Nowadays, these two work hand-in-hand, using the port as their export & import gateway.

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