Kymenlaakso (literally
Kymi Valley) is a
region in
Finland. It borders to the regions
Uusimaa,
Päijänne Tavastia,
Southern Savonia, and
South Karelia. Its name means literally
The Valley of River Kymijoki. Kymijoki is one of the biggest rivers in Finland with a
drainage basin with 11% of the area of Finland. The town of
Kotka with 55,000 inhabitants is located at the delta of River Kymijoki and has the most important import harbour in Finland. Other cities are
Kouvola further in the inland which has after a municipal merger 88,000 inhabitants and the old bastion town
Hamina.