VAASA

in full Vaasan Lni, Swedish Vasa Ln, lni (province), western Finland, on the Gulf of Bothnia. The province's land rises from a level but indented coastline through generally forested country, with large cultivated plains, toward an eastern lake region. The timber industry and agriculture are important. The city of Vaasa is the province's administrative capital, main seaport, and largest city. Other important towns are Kask (Kaskinen), Kokkola, Kristinestad (Kristiinankaupunki), Pietarsaari (Jakobstad), Seinjoki, and Nykarleby (Uusikaarlepyy). Area 10,200 square miles (26,418 square km). Pop. (1993 est.) 448,363. Swedish Vasa, town, capital of Vaasa lni (province), western Finland, on the Gulf of Bothnia. Founded in 1606 by the Swedish king Charles IX, it was chartered in 1611 and named for the reigning house of Vasa. Finland's second Court of Appeal was instituted there in 1776. Devastated by fire in 1852, the town was soon rebuilt in a more strategic location some 5 miles (8 km) closer to the sea, and its name was officially changed to Nikolainkaupunki until 1917 (although its traditional name was always used locally). Vaasa was the provisional capital of Finland during the Finnish War of Independence (1918). Vaasa is now an important port, exporting timber and importing other raw materials. Its industries include flour and textile mills, a sugar refinery, large bakeries, and machinery and soap factories. It has regular passenger and car ferry service to Sweden. Pop. (1993 est.) mun., 54,289.