KOKKOLA

Swedish Karleby, city, Vaasa lni (province), western Finland. It is situated along the Gulf of Bothnia, northeast of the city of Vaasa. Founded in 1620, Kokkola became the major seaport and trade centre of Ostrobothnia during the 18th century. In 1854 the British tried unsuccessfully to capture the city. Notable buildings include a 15th-century stone church of Kaarlela, the town hall (1845), and the Renlund Museum of painting, housed in a 17th-century building. The modern city lies a mile inland and is connected by rail to its outport, Ykspihlaja, 3 miles (5 km) west. Kokkola's local industries include lumber mills, machine shops, a tannery, and a state superphosphates factory. About one-fifth of the inhabitants are Swedish-speaking. Pop. (1992 est.) mun., 34,718.