Country Facts Did you know that there are 187, 888 lakes, 5,100 rapids, and 179,584 islands in Finland. Finland has a population of 5.2 million people which makes up about 17 inhabitants per square kilometer/half mile. Of the people, 75% live in towns or urban areas and about 25% in rural areas Oulu, where I live, is the 6th largest city in Finland with a population of 118,000 people. Helsinki is the largest city with a population of 551,000 people. Finland's neighboring countries are Sweden, Norway and Russia, which have land borders with Finland, and Estonia across the Gulf of Finland. Almost 80% of Finnish people have a mobile phone. You can even check the ski report or your bank account from your phone. Independent since December 6, 1917 and a member country of the European Union since 1995. Government:
Republic, headed by a president, who happens to be the first female
president of Finland. Her name is Tarja Halonen. The parliament has
200 members. The official languages of Finland are Finnish(93%) and Swedish(5.8%). The Finnish winter can be harsh with very cold winters with temperatures as low as -20C(-4F)and darkness during the end of October through the beginning of January. December 22 is the darkest day of the year. The summers are with near continuous daylight. June 21 is called the "nightless night" or Juhannus, which is a religious holiday. Summer temperatures often rises above 20C(68 F) and occasionally reaches 30C(86 F). For more free information regarding Finland, please visit Finland Travel Club Traveling Facts Finland is a place to get away from the busy constraints of life. The beauty of Finland (my opinion) is in the nature, sights, people, architecture, customs, festivals, and food. Some cultural things to try when coming to Finland: Sauna (traditional with birch branch if possible), smoked reindeer and salmon, Finnish pastries and cakes, cider, and be sure to take time for a coffee break (very much a part of everyday Finnish culture). It is not customary to leave tips after eating, it is included in price of the meal. The currency of Finland is the Euro. Oanda to see the exchange rates for today. Public transportation (Buses, taxis) inside cities are some of the best in the world. They are affordable (13 Fmk/2Usd, clean, well maintained, safe, and everyone uses them. Also, it is possible to get around safely by bike or foot in the towns and cities as there are also some of the best bicycle paths in the world. They are also safe and well maintained and you will see when in Finland, that many people use a bike to get around. Finland also has a superb network of domestic train, bus, and air connections when traveling around in the country. As a tourist and traveler in Finland, I want to tell you that it is safe. There is little violence in Finland and the crime rate is among the lowest in the world. I have never had any problems when traveling in Finland. The safety and quality of life are two of the main reasons I live here. Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Plugs are the two-pin continental size. The country code for calling to Finland is (358). To call from Finland, dial 990 + country code + area code + number. Time in Finland is 2 hours ahead of GMT Bring good walking shoes, a camera (your choice), and the right clothes for the season you are coming. Contact me if you need advice on what to pack. Finnish things to try: Sauna, rye bread, smoked reindeer and salmon, definitely the Finnish pastries and cuisine, cross-country skiing, Finnish nature. Bring a great attitude, an open mind, and a smile to greet Finland... |
Finland
Facts Most People Do Not Know!