Tampere is the largest inland city of the Nordic countries with a population of over 200 000. Tampere was founded in 1779 on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids (one of Finland's national scenic areas) and it evolved into the most highly industrialized locality in Finland during the 19th century.

Thanks to the new city planning, the former industrial areas such as Finlayson and Tampella are alive again: restaurants, shops, sport and fitness centres, Museum Centre Vapriikki and the Central Museum of Labour have found locations there.

Tampere is also a city of education and research on both national and international scale. There are two universities and numerous other institutions of education. Tampere is an important centre of Southern Finland when it comes to employment and education. It is also an outstanding centre for Finnish cultural life with its theatres and events focusing on music, literature, arts and architecture.