It is situated in the province of Western Finland and is part of the Central Ostrobothnia region.

The municipality has a population of 5,264 (31 December 2024)[2] and covers an area of 470.65 square kilometres (181.72 sq mi), of which 2.41 km2 (0.93 sq mi) is water.

[1] The population density is 11.25 inhabitants per square kilometre (29.1/sq mi).

Neighbour municipalities are Kalajoki, Kokkola, Sievi and Toholampi.

[5] The hammer of the witch drum in the coat of arms of the town also refers to the same.