Mikkeli

Mikkeli is a town and municipality located on Lake Saimaa in Finland. It is located in the Etelä-Savo region in what used to be the province of Eastern Finland. It has a population of (around 34,000 in the town itself) and covers an area of , of which is water. Together with Savonlinna, it is one of the largest towns in the South Savonia region and one of the concentrations in the region's hospital districts. Mikkeli was the site for the headquarters of the Finnish armed forces during World War II. In recognition of this, the town's coat of arms incorporates a pair of crossed Marshal Mannerheim's batons, and the town was awarded the Cross of Liberty, Class, to be displayed with the coat of arms. History The earliest signs of human life in Mikkeli are the Astuvansalmi rock paintings in Ristiina, dating back to 4100-2000 BCE. The Astuvansalmi is the largest rock painting site in the Nordic countries.