Kempele

Kempele is a municipality in the province of Oulu, in Finland. The municipality is located in Northern Finland just south of city of Oulu. The population of Kempele is 14,475 (December 31, 2005) and the municipality covers an area of 110.33 km² (excluding sea areas) of which 0.20 km² is inland water (January 1, 2006). The population density is 131.4 inhabitants per km² (December 31, 2005). The municipality of Kempele has been founded in 1867.

Neighbourhood municipalities are Liminka, Oulu, Oulunsalo and Tyrnävä.

History

First permanent inhabitants settled in Kempele area approximately 500 years ago - at that time coast line was closer than what it is today. Kempele was part of Greater Liminka and consisted only of three houses in 1568 when the area was called as Kempele first time in official context. Full church privileges were granted to Kempele in 1774, which also meant separation from Liminka. Municipality administration was established in 1867.

ights

The old wooden church of Kempele, which was built in late 17th century, is one of the oldest wooden churches in Finland. Originally Kempele was granted rights to build up a praying room in 1688, but local parishioners decided to construct a church with steeple. As it was typical at that time to bury local notable persons under the church building, also in Kempele there are approximately 150 graves - last of them from 1796.

Even though the old church is not anymore in active use after the new one was build next to it in 1990s, some activities are still kept in there.

External links

* [http://www.kempele.fi/en/index.php Municipality of Kempele]
* [http://www.kempele.fi/kartta/index.html Map of Kempele]