The municipality had a population of 2,189 (31 October 2010)[2] and covered a land area of 203.98 square kilometres (78.76 sq mi).

Among the larger employers we find companies working with construction, manufacturing of sandpaper, packing and equipment.

The Battle of Oravais was a critical event during the Finnish War 1808–09 between Russia and Sweden, and took place on September 14, 1808.

[8] Several helve hammers were built at the works; they were actuated by water power from the Kimo river.

In the same place, Oravais factory was established after the ironworks era was over; for many years it was an important textile industry.

The factory contributed to the character of Oravais by giving the municipality some mobility of inhabitants and a presence of casual labourers – otherwise an alien phenomenon on the Finnish countryside – and the corollary occurrence of socialist ideas.