[1] The population density is 7.07 inhabitants per square kilometre (18.3/sq mi).

Neighbouring municipalities are Kannonkoski, Karstula, Multia, Soini, Uurainen, Ähtäri and Äänekoski.

Juho Hyytiäinen, the great grandfather of Pamela Anderson, left the village in 1908 emigrating to the American continent.

At the time, the parish also included Karstula, Kyyjärvi, Pylkönmäki and a part of Konginkangas.

Karstula, including Kyyjärvi, was separated in 1887, Konginkangas in 1895 (partially from Viitasaari) and Pylkönmäki in 1914.