In 1983 the Övertorneå community of Sweden first adopted an Eco-municipality framework followed by a formal organization in 1995 (SEKOM).
Brita Klemetintytär lived in Övertorneå, where she followed in her father's footsteps and served as postmaster.
Geographically the townships and municipalities that make up the area are Haparanda, Övertorneå, Pajala and Kiruna in Sweden, and Tornio, Ylitornio, Pello, Kolari, Muonio and Enontekiö in Finland.
Tornedalsloppet is an annual ski marathon held in Övertorneå, Sweden.