Salo () is a city in Finland, located in the southwestern interior of the country. The population of Salo is approximately , while the sub-region has a population of approximately . It is the most populous municipality in Finland, and the 24th most populous urban area in the country.
Salo is located in the Southwest Finland. Salo covers an area of of which is water.
Salo is a small city located between the capital Helsinki ( away) and the provincial capital Turku ( away). The city's proximity to these larger cities has contributed to the growth of Salo's business sector. Additionally, farming plays a significant role in the area. Salo shares borders with Koski Tl, Lohja, Kimitoön, Marttila, Paimio, Raseborg, Sauvo and Somero. Salo is also twinned with Saint Anthony Village in Minnesota.
Salo was previously recognised for its significant consumer electronics and mobile phone industry. Nokia, and briefly Microsoft Mobile, operated a manufacturing plant in the town. However, the plant was closed in 2015, resulting in high unemployment rates.
Salo is the birthplace of the former president of Finland Sauli Niinistö.
History
Salo has existed as a centre of rural commerce since at least the 16th century, emerging in the location where the Great Coastal Road, the important East-West road, crossed River Salo; the river provided the fairway to the sea. In 1887 Salo officially became a market town and, in the beginning of 1891, an independent Municipality. The area of the municipality was initially very small, only 0.65 km<sup>2</sup>. In 1932 it grew to 18 km<sup>2</sup> when areas from neighbouring Uskela and Halikko were annexed to Salo. Eventually Salo became a town in 1960. The municipality of Uskela was consolidated with Salo 1967. The municipalities of Halikko, Kiikala, Kisko, Kuusjoki, Muurla, Perniö, Pertteli, Suomusjärvi and Särkisalo were consolidated with Salo in the beginning of 2009.
Salo is also a popular last name in Finland.
Climate
Demographics
Population
The city of Salo has inhabitants, making it the most populous municipality in Finland. The Salo region has a population of . In Salo, 8.6% of the population has a foreign background, which is slightly below the national average.