FINLAND

FINLAND / SUOMI.

Definitive stamps.
Saimaa Lake.
Second stamp in a set of 3, issued on 01.06.1932.
Face value: 10 Finnish markka.
Design: Aarne Karjalainen (1898-1965).
Engraving: Arthur Schuricht (1882-1945).
Printed by Security Printing House, Bank of Finland.
Printing: Recess.
Print: 1,800,000 copies.

Catalogues
- AFA No. 187.
- Michel No. 156.
- Scott No. 205a.
- Stanley Gibbons No. 276a.
- Yvert et Tellier No. 154a.

The Saimaa (also known as Suur-Saimaa) is the largest lake in Finland and the fifth in Europe, with an area of 4,377 km² (1,690 sq mi). It was formed by the melting of glaciers at the end of the Ice Age. It is located in the southeastern part of the country and drains mainly through the Vuoksi River, which empties into Lake Ladoga, in Russia. It is a complex of minor lakes: numerous islands (about 14,000) and narrow channels divide the lake into many parts, each with its own name (Orivesi, Puruvesi, Haukivesi, Yövesi, Pihlajavesi and Pyhäselkä, among others). The length of its coasts is about 14,850 km (9,227 mi). On its shores are important cities, such as Lappeenranta, Joensuu, Mikkeli, Imatra and Savonlinna. The Saimaa Canal connects the lake with the Gulf of Finland, going from Lappeenranta to Vyborg in Russia. Other canals connect the Saimaa with the small lakes of eastern Finland and form a complex network of inland waterways that are used mainly for transporting wood, minerals, metals, and other cargo, and also for tourist trips.