South Karelia
regionscoat of armsarmsword
The coat of arms of South Karelia displays a golden arm holding a curved sword (scimitar) on a red field, a charge known as the 'arm of Karelia.' This historic emblem dates back to the 16th century and represents the region's role as a frontier territory between East and West. The armed figure symbolizes the defense of Christendom's eastern border. South Karelia lies near the Russian border.
South Karelia's capital Lappeenranta sits on the shore of Lake Saimaa, which is home to the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal, one of the rarest seals in the world with only about 430 individuals.
Adopted: 1997
