Sub-regional units 2003

The purpose of regional classifications used in statistics is to describe regional variations of various phenomena and regional structure. As most regional classifications, the division of sub-regional units is based on the administrative regional division. The division of sub-regional units was adopted in 1994 as a basic division of the acts on regional policy (Act on regional development 1135/93). The criteria used for forming sub-regional units have mainly been cooperation between municipalities and employment. Municipalities, sub-regional units, regions and the statistical grouping of municipalities are the primary regional classifications used in Finland's statistical system. Other municipality-based regional classifications used in statistics are major regions, Regional State Administrative Agencies (AVI) and Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY centres). Types of municipalities include the cost-of-living classification, financial capacity classification, language distribution classification and municipality form classification.

Changes as of 1 January 2003 The sub-regional unit of Ii (173) changed its name into the sub-regional unit of Oulunkaari. The numerical code of the sub-regional unit remains the same. Changes as of 1 January 2002 Kangaslampi (212) was moved from the sub-regional unit of Juva (102) to the sub-regional unit of Varkaus (114). Changes as of 1 January 2001 The sub-regional units of Itä-Pirkanmaa (065), Koillis-Pirkanmaa (066) and Pohjois-Pirkanmaa (067) were united as Ylä-Pirkanmaa. The code for the new sub-regional unit is 069 and it is formed by the municipalities of Juupajoki (177), Kuru (303), Längelmäki (443), Mänttä (506), Orivesi (562), Ruovesi (702), Vilppula (933) and Virrat (936). The sub-regional unit of Joroinen (104) was abolished when Joroinen (171) and Kangaslampi (212) were moved to the sub-regional unit of Juva (102) and Heinävesi (090) to the sub-regional unit of Savonlinna (103). The sub-regional unit of Lakeus (172) was abolished when Liminka (425), Lumijoki (436) and Tyrnävä (859) were moved to the sub-regional unit of Oulu (171) and Rantsila (682) to the sub-regional unit of Siikalatva (175). Haapavesi (071) was moved from the sub-regional unit of Nivala-Haapajärvi (176) to the sub-regional unit of Siikalatva (175). Karttula (227) was moved from the sub-regional unit of Sisä-Savo (115) to the sub-regional unit of Kuopio (112). Maaninka (476) was moved from the sub-regional unit of Ylä-Savo (111) to the sub-regional unit of Kuopio (112). Pudasjärvi (615) was moved from the sub-regional unit of Koillismaa (178) to the sub-regional unit of Ii (173). Vaala (785) was moved from the sub-regional unit of Kehys-Kainuu (181) to the sub-regional unit of Kajaani (182). Uurainen (892) was moved from the sub-regional unit of Keuruu (133) to the sub-regional unit o f Jyväskylä (131). Myrskylä (504) and Pukkila (616) were moved from the sub-regional unit of Loviisa (202) to the sub-regional unit of Porvoo (201). The name of the sub-regional unit of Itä-Häme (072) was changed to the sub-regional unit of Heinola. The Regional Government of the Åland Islands has decided that Åland shall be devided into three, instead of the present two, sub-regional units: Mariehamns stad (211), Älands landsbygd (212) and Älands skärgärd (213). Changes as of 2 February 1998 The name of the sub-regional unit of Koillis-Lappi (194) was changed to the sub-regional unit of Itä-Lappi.

The classification of sub-regional units is a classification compiled for national needs.