Kuusamo Has the World's Cleanest Air

In the Ruka-Kuusamo area, you can breathe the world's cleanest air, and this is not just a saying but a researched fact. According to WHO, Finland's air quality ranks clearly among the top ten countries or regions in the world, and the Kuusamo area, in particular, has been recognized as one of the cleanest corners of the world.

Kuusamo, Utsjoki, and Sodankylä were ranked at the top for air quality in the World Air Quality report by IQ Air, which compared air quality in over 7,800 different locations around the world. This report by the Swiss company, which monitors air quality internationally with precision, measured concentrations of particulate matter in the air in 134 different countries and 7,800 different locations for the year 2023. The report was published for the sixth time now.

According to the report, only ten countries or regions fell below the air quality recommendations set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for particulate matter concentration. According to WHO, the annual average concentration of particulate matter should be less than 5 micrograms per cubic meter. In addition to Finland, the threshold was also met by Estonia, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and French Polynesia.

For Finns, clean air, water, and nature are everyday matters that perhaps come into better perspective when viewed through the eyes of a foreigner. For instance, the potability of tap water is a source of wonder for many international customers. According to studies, Kuusamo's groundwater is cleaner than bottled water, so it's no wonder that the local water company calls its tap water Kuusamo's Clear (Kuusamon Kirkas, read more in Finnish). 

In Kuusamo, you can enjoy fresh air and a variety of activities that rely on the region's magnificent nature in a sustainable way. Whether it's hiking in Oulanka National Park or a relaxing day on the slopes of Ruka, we have experiences to suit every taste. Local restaurants offer wild food delicacies made from the region's pure ingredients.

Welcome to Kuusamo to experience the pure nature and make memories that will last a long time!

Published 21.3.2024
Text: Sari Kumpuniemi, Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association
Photos: Jani Kärppä and Teemu Lahtinen (Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association)