Overall Score
The city of Oulu, a provincial city under the same name, lies at the point where the Oulu River flows into the Gulf of Bothnia of the Baltic Sea. It is located in the northwestern part of Finland. One of the oldest cities in the country, Oulu was founded at the dawn of the 17th century.
In 1323, the territory of the present city, as well as the whole region, was annexed to the land of Novgorod. The territorial transformations were based on the Treaty of Orzechovo, which was made between the Kingdom of Sweden and the Duchy of Novgorod. ×A few years later, these lands would revert to the possession of the King of Sweden.
The history of the city begins with a small village founded by decree of King Charles IX, opposite the castle. It was founded in 1605, and within five years the village had already acquired city status and a full set of privileges. Over time, the city has grown and the number of its inhabitants has increased rapidly. The first school opened its doors to students in 1612.
During the Great Northern War, which lasted from 1714 to 1721, part of the principality of Finland was occupied by Russian troops. The territory of Oulu was in a non-territorial zone in those times. In spite of this, the results of the Treaty of Nyeshchadt made the possessions of the Principality of Finland once again belong to Sweden. In 1765, Oulu was granted foreign trade rights with other countries. In 1776 it received the status of a trading city and became the administrative center of the Province of Oberburg.
In addition to elementary and secondary schools, the present city has higher educational institutions. The University of Oulu was founded in 1958. It has six faculties. There are faculty members and professors among the faculty. Another university, the Institute of Applied Sciences, was founded in 1992. Also, there is an International School with English as the language of instruction.
In Wola, there is a nature and zoo, an aquatic park with a neighboring beach, a sports complex and a penny club. There are several museums in operation. There is a small touring car designed for excursions around the city. An ancient cathedral, dated 1777, graces the modern city.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 54 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 200,000 people
- GDP: $43,339 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 30 Mbps
- Best wireless: Elisa
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners
- Tipping: As said earlier, there’s no mandatory need to tip in Finland. You can pay the bill as it is or, if you want, you can round the bill up to the nearest convenient figure or leave a larger tip. All styles are good in Finnish culture.
- Apartment listings: Oikotie
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coworking space: Business Kitchen
- Online electronics shop: Verkkokauppa
- Best hospital: Mehilinen Oulu
- Best short-haul air carrier: Finnair
- Best intl air carrier: Finnair
- Monthly costs for expat: $1350
- Monthly costs for family: $3200
- Monthly costs for local: $900
- Meal: $7.5
- Small Cola: $1.2
- Beer 1 Pint: $6
- Coffee: $2.5
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