Finland contains population centers of different sizes. All of these population centers have their own spheres of influence. The size of a population center's sphere of influence is mainly determined by the size of the population center itself, as well as by the number of services offered in it. 

Naturally, the sphere of influence of a population center such as Helsinki is larger than that of a place like Kuhmo. Large population centers offer a great variety of services, which is why they are visited even from distant regions. The sphere of influence of a large population center can also contain a number of smaller population centers with their own spheres of influence.

The people living within a population center's sphere of influence use the services provided in the center, such as offices, stores, restaurants, schools and medical services. It is common that people living within a population center's sphere of influence also work in the population center. This is reflected in rush hour traffic during the early morning and evening. In addition to providing employees and customers, the sphere of influence also provides the population center with raw materials, goods and energy. 

There are fewer large population centers than there are smaller ones. For example, small village centers are far more common than large regional centers. There are only five regional population centers in Finland: Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Oulu and Kuopio.


Tampere is the largest population center in the region of Pirkanmaa.