Kymi

a province in southeastern Finland. Area 12,800 sq km. Population, 344,500 (1971). Major city, Kotka. There is a lake plateau with the Salpausselkä Ridge (elevations, up to 172 m) in the north; the coastal plain of the Gulf of Finland, with numerous outcrops of rocks, is in the south. Kymi produces cellulose and paper, wooden articles, chemicals, sugar, and glassware. Dairy cattle and swine are raised. The major agricultural crops are wheat, oats, and sugar beets; some fruit is also grown.

a river in southern Finland. Length, 204 km; basin area, 37,200 sq km. The river originates in the Lake Päijänne basin, flows through a number of lakes, and crosses the Salpausselkä Ridge, forming rapids and waterfalls; it falls into the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea in five branches. Approximately 600 lakes in the Kymi Basin drain into the river. The average annual water discharge is 295 cu m per sec (maximum, approximately 700 cu m per sec). The Kymi is in high water in spring and summer, with maximum flow in June. It freezes in early December and thaws in late April or early May. There is a hydroelectric power plant on the river; timber is floated. The Kotka seaport is situated at its mouth.