In 2010, Joensuu celebrates its 162 years of existance! Joensuu is the lively capital of the North Karelia Region in Finland. The city was established in 1848 by the Czar Nikolai I of Russia. It is a vital city with a growing and relatively young population. Of the total population of 72,000 almost 20,000 are pupils and students. Joensuu is located next to the Russian border and about 400 km North-East from the capital of the country.