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Small towns in Finland have been trying to boost their dwindling populations by giving bonuses to people who move there, it's reported.

Some councils offer patches of land for a euro ($1; 70p), and others hand out cash to new parents, . Communities are trying to counter the effects of depopulation, as Finns continue to migrate to the country's cities. More than two-thirds of small municipalities offer building plots at rock-bottom prices, according to a new study by the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities.

Some towns try to lure new parents with cash lump sums. While so-called baby bonuses vary widely, one tiny town in western Finland stumps up 10,000 euros ($11,400; £7,200) if people have their babies in the area, Yle says. Lestijarvi is hoping the cash will help it add to its current 815 inhabitants, a figure which makes it one of the smallest municipalities in the country. But to avoid people sweeping into town to make a quick buck, the cash is paid 1,000 euros at a time. Finland's government already pays universal child benefit for children aged under 17, and also guarantees a now-famous starter kit of essential items for each baby.

The association says it isn't yet clear whether the local incentives are working - but at least one town has given up for lack of takers. Utajarvi - population 2,901 - spent 10 years offering people land for one euro, but only sold a few dozen plots.

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