The town has a population of 19,404 (31 December 2024)[2] and covers an area of 747.28 km2 (288.53 sq mi) of which 652.1 square kilometers (251.8 sq mi) are water.[1] Thepopulation density is 203.44 inhabitants per square kilometre (526.9/sq mi).
DuringWorld War II, after Finland signed theMoscow Armistice and found itself involved in theLapland War against its former German ally, German forces at the beginning of October 1944 captured 132 Finnish civilian hostages in Kemi (as well as 130 inRovaniemi) and threatened to kill them unless the Finnish army released the German POWs captured in theBattle of Tornio. However, Finland refused to comply and threatened to retaliate by killing the German POWs. The hostages were released unharmed on October 11, 1944, near Rovaniemi.[citation needed]
The climate type of Kemi is a typicalsubarctic climate (KöppenDfc). It is characterized by long, cold winters and warm, short summers; but because it is on the coast of theGulf of Bothnia, the characteristics of its continental climate are not as pronounced as inland areas.
Climate data for Kemi (Kemi-Tornio Airport, 1991–2020 normals, records 1959–present)
The main economic activity in Kemi is centered on two large paper and woodpulp mills and on the onlychromium mine in Europe (which supplies theOutokumpu ferrochrome plant inTornio).
In April 2007, the city of Kemi laid off all of its municipal workers for two weeks due to the failing economy of the city. Spiraling specialist healthcare costs and a fleeing industry tax base are stated as the cause for the firing.[9] These are the most drastic temporary dismissals to take place in Finland since 2000.
Kemi has a claim to fame as the home of the world's largest snow castle[10] (reconstructed every year to a different design). TheSnowCastle of Kemi is usually built in the inner harbor of the city.
A model of The Crown of Finland (the original was never made for theKing of Finland) is kept in the town's gemstone gallery. It also houses replicas of theImperial State Crown of Great Britain, the scepter of theCzar of Russia, theOrbs of Denmark, and the diamond necklace ofMarie Antoinette, among other items.
