The municipality has a population of 2,007 (31 December 2024)[2] and covers an area of 290.29 square kilometres (112.08 sq mi) of which 77.1 km2 (29.8 sq mi) is water.

[1] The population density is 9.37 inhabitants per square kilometre (24.3/sq mi).

Neighbouring municipalities are Hailuoto, Liminka, Oulu and Siikajoki.

The village was first mentioned in 1548, when it was a part of the Liminka parish.

It gained chapel rights in 1640, eventually becoming an independent parish and municipality in 1867.