Vähäkyrö, Finland (NC)


 * +Vähänkyrön kunta
 * Coordinates || 22deg 52min 26sec North 14deg 4min 8sec East
 * Area || 177,7 km²
 * Population as of Density || 49,439 Dec -05 278.2/km²
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 * Population as of Density || 49,439 Dec -05 278.2/km²
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Vähäkyrö is a municipality in Vasa province, Finland, Ugrian Union. The municipalities/towns of Isokyrö, Laihia, Koivulahti, Maksamaa and Vöyri lie around it.

History
The most intensive period in the regional history were the 14th-18th centuries. The Kyrönlinna border town and fortress was already founded in 1276 due to Swedish expansion at the coast. After four sieges, Kyrönlinna fell to the Swedes in 1329. In 1493, the Duchy of Kyrö reconquered the castle, after seven sieges and battles. The last siege by Kingdom of Sweden was in 1739, and in 1750 the last Swedish possessions near Kyrönjoki River were given to the duchy. The town lost its importance, and due to rapidly declining use, the buildings deteriorated by 1833, when the duchy was absorbed into Republic of Finland. The buildings were eventually restored in late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Meanwhile, as the importance of the fortress waned, the modern municipal center started to grow from an ordinary village. In the Finnish republic, Kyrönlinna lost its town rights and its surrounding rural parish was divided into Vähäkyrö and Isokyrö.

The railway between Vaasa and Seinäjoki started operation in 1865, and its influence created a new population center to the border of Isokyrö and Vähäkyrö, south of the river and south of the historical fortress.

Subdivisions
Superdistricts: Kirkonkylä, Länsi-Tervajoki, Kyrönlinna, Northeast Vähäkyrö, Northwest Vähäkyrö, Alajuoksu