Puumala is a municipality situated in the South Savonia region of Finland, positioned right in the middle of Lake Saimaa. It serves as an administrative unit within the country, characterized by its unilingual Finnish status and distinct geographical setting amidst extensive waterways. The area covers a total of 1,237.75 square kilometres, with a significant portion comprising water bodies that define its landscape and influence local life.

The region holds strategic historical importance, having become a border parish following the Treaty of Åbo in 1743. Its narrow strait has been the scene of several battles since the sixteenth century, a fact reflected in the flaming bombshells on its coat of arms. In June 1788, Swedish soldiers disguised as Russians staged an attack here to allow King Gustav III to declare defensive war against the Russian Empire.

The town center features a yellow wooden church and is dominated by a 781-metre-long bridge that replaced a cable ferry in 1995. This structure connects the two sides of the Puumalansalmi strait and serves as a prominent landmark visible from a distance. The municipality also boasts relatively good services for its size, including a post office, supermarkets, and an Alko store.

Visitor appeal is driven by summer inhabitants who triple the population during the season, supporting local entrepreneurs and restaurants like Ravintola Satama in the harbour. The Puumala virus is named after this place as it was first isolated from samples in the area. Travelers can explore the scenic surroundings by boat on Lake Saimaa or visit guesthouses such as Villa Saimaan Sydän.

As of 2023, the population stands at 2,108, though the municipality recorded 2,081 residents on 31 December 2025. The economy benefits from seasonal tourism and local services. Access is provided via highway 62 connecting Mikkeli and Imatra, with regional road 434 arriving from Juva. Buses link the town to nearby cities, facilitating travel for both residents and visitors throughout the year.