It used to be a small rural town, but thanks to the construction of the Saimaa Canal it became one of the most important harbour cities in the Karelia province of Finland. Due to its strategic location, it serves as an important foreign trade centre and is focused on former Russia.

The city has one university, Universitas Ostiensis, that attracts students from all over the region. Worth visiting are the town hall, a typical example of Saarinen's architecture, the Neogothic church and the Modern Museum of History and culture. The Perhos-Botania University Botanical Gardens give a 'lively' illustration of habitats from all over the world and some very good hiking tracks can be found just outside town.