Finland
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Northern Europe
- Capital
- Helsinki
- Population
- 5.6 million (2024)
- Area
- 338,424 km²
- Languages
- Finnish, Swedish
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +358
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
The Republic of Finland is a country situated in the Nordic part of Europe. Finland is ranked as the happiest country in the world because of its good health care and the high income for its citizens. The country is known to have the best education system in the world.
The country recorded a population of 5.518 million people in 2019 and covers an area of 338,440 km2.
Its capital city is Helsinki. Helsinki is the home to Suomenlinna Sea fortress built in the 18th century. Helsinki landscape faces the sea and its architecture is of a unique design.
Another major city in Finland is Tampere.
A house in the snow, during the harsh winter.
History
The country was once under the administration of Sweden before it was surrendered to the Russians in 1809. Russia attempted to incorporate the country to be part of it by recruiting the Finish men to be Russian soldiers and officiating Russian to be the country’s official language.
Later, Finland acquiring its independence in 1917.
It joined the European Union in 1995.
Food & culture
The country’s culture is mixed with ancient heritage as well as Nordic and European culture.
The most popular crops are mostly cereals followed by potatoes, turnip, sugar beets and grasses.
The popular dishes are rye bread, fish pie, bread cheese, cinnamon burns, Finnish meatballs and cured salmon.
Wildlife
The most common wildlife animals include bears, wolves, lynx, eagles, cranes, swans and Finnish elk.
Festivals & events
The major festivals include Midsummer Festival, Christmas and New Year, Flow Festival in Finland, Midnight Sun Film Festival and Tuska Open Air Metal Festival.
Things to see
The National Museum of Finland preserves the country’s history since the Stone Age to present in the form of objects and cultural history.
Suomenlinna Fortress was built during the 18th century with strong walls going across 6 joined islands. Near it is the King’s Gate drawbridge and the Suomenlinna Museum.
The Santa Claus Village is an entertainment park in Rovaniemi at Lapland part.
Koli National Park is a good area to visit during summer.
Interesting facts
The country is listed number one as the happiest country in the world.
It is known for its remarkable Lapland whose capital is Rovaniemi. It is also the formal home town of Santa Claus.
The main languages are Finnish and Swedish.
Most of the Finnish people are Christians with the majority of them being members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
