Vuornaa
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Vuornaa | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Valkea |
| Province | Löysimaa |
| Municipality | Vuornaa |
| First mention | 1322 |
| Charter | 1854 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 318.71 km2 (123.05 sq mi) |
| Population (2022) | |
| • Total | 728,334 |
| • Density | 2,300/km2 (5,900/sq mi) |
| Website | www.vuornaa.vk |
Vuornaa is a city and municipality in the province of Löysimaa in southern Valkea. It is located immediately west of the capital, Källälivi, and forms part of the Greater Källälivi area alongside Sorvisto. It is the second largest city in Valkea, with a population of 728,334 inhabitants. Vuornaa is a regional leader in manufacturing, research, technology, and education.
The first humans began to settle in the area around 7,000 years ago. Vuornaa was established as a Catholic parish in the 14th century and grew as a small town outside of Källälivi. Vuornaa began to grow in importance at the onset of the Industrial Revolution, with the city becoming an important shipbuilding center and naval base. Due to its proximity to Källälivi, it underwent rapid urbanization and population growth. Despite a decline in the heavy manufacturing industry in the 1970s and 1980s, the city restructured to become a major technology center.
Vuornaa is currently one of the most important economic, cultural, and scientific centers in Valkea. It is a major hub for manufacturing, particularly in the shipbuilding and technology industries. Vuornaa is dubbed the "Technology Capital of Valkea" due to its leading role in the high-tech business sector. It also accounts for a significant portion of venture capital investments in Valkea, which has led to it being one of the biggest hubs in Astyria for startup businesses. It is home to many of Valkea's largest corporations inside and outside of technology, including Architect, Sidus, Hannula, and Valkean Aerospace. Vuornaa also has several notable educational institutions such as the University of Vuornaa, Technical University of Vuornaa, and Vuornaa University of the Arts.
Standards of living in Vuornaa have consistently among the highest in Valkea. It ranked as the third most expensive city in Astyria in 2016, 2018, and 2019, as well as among the region's most livable cities. Vuotola Airport, located in Vuornaa, serves the Greater Källälivi area as its principal airport and the largest airport in Valkea.