| Country name (long): | Republic of Finland / Suomen Tasavalta | Country name (short): | Finland / Suomi | |||
| Population | 5,231,372 | Population growth rate: | 0.14% | |||
| Data code: | FI | Birth rate: | 10.45 births/1,000 population | |||
| Nationality: | Finn(s) / Finnish | Death rate: | 9.86 deaths/1,000 population | |||
| Location: | Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia | Life expectancy at birth: | 78.5 years | |||
| National capital: | Helsinki | Net migration rate: | 0.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population | |||
| Coordinates: | 64 00 N, 26 00 E | Sex ratio: | 0.96 male(s)/female | |||
| Area: | 338,145 sq km | Suffrage: | 18 years of age; universal | |||
| Land boundaries: | Norway 727 km, Sweden 614 km, Russia 1,340 km | Ethnic groups: | Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.7%, Russian 0.4%, Estonian 0.2%, Roma 0.2%, Sami 0.1% | |||
| Climate: | cold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes | Religions: | Lutheran National Church 84.2%, Greek Orthodox in Finland 1.1%, other Christian 1.1%, other 0.1%, none 13.5% | |||
| Terrain: | mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills | Languages: | Finnish 92% (official), Swedish 5.6% (official), other 2.4% (small Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities) | |||
| Elevation extremes: | Age structure: | |||||
| Lowest point: | Baltic Sea 0 m | 0-14 years: | 17.1% (male 455,420/female 438,719) | |||
| Highest point: | Haltiatunturi 1,328 m | 15-64 years: | 66.7% (male 1,766,674/female 1,724,858) | |||
| 65 years and over: | 16.2% (male 337,257/female 508,444) | |||||
| Government type: | republic | Infant mortality rate: | 3.55 deaths/1,000 live births | |||
| Independence: | 6 December 1917 (from Russia) | Literacy: | 100.0% | |||
| National holiday: | Independence Day, 6 December (1917) | Unemployment rate: | 7.90% | |||
| Constitution: | 1st March 2000 | Inflation rate: | 1.2% | |||
| GDP - real growth rate: | 2.20% | Industries: | metals and metal products, electronics, machinery and scientific instruments, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing | |||
| GDP - per capita (PPP): | US$ $30,600 | Currency (code): | euro (EUR) | |||
| Legal system: | civil law system based on Swedish law; the president may request the Supreme Court to review laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations | Trans-national Issues: | various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands | |||
Country Guide - Finland
DemographicSnapshot
A country of spectacular scenic appeal, vast climatic contrast and an intellectually advanced demographic. Located to the far north of Europe, bordered by Sweden, Norway and Russia, the geographical landscape encompasses over 30,000 coastal islands and an additional 98,000 islands found amongst its numerous inland lakes. Whilst ten percent of the country remains under water, much of the land is dominated by lush green forests and dense woodlands.
Renowned for its pure fresh air, solitude and tranquillity, it is a relatively quiet country, with lightly populated cities and small townships largely unaffected from the ravages of tourism. The clear lakes and endless forests provide a natural retreat from the stresses of modern society, serving to attract appreciative nature lovers and those seeking outdoor adventure.
It is also a country of diverse seasonal variation providing unique visual diversity and extreme climatic conditions. Winter in the north often exceeds six months duration, with the sun barely rising above the horizon between the months of November through February.
In contrast, summer is characterised by extended periods of twenty-four hour day light and Autumn brings forth the enchanting and magical frosts which produce the vivid and illuminated colours of ‘Ruska’.
With temperatures varying from -30C (-22F) in winter to +35C (95F) in summer, clearly the most important advice one can give to travellers venturing forth to this small Nordic nation is to plan one's dress appropriately.
The Finish people are characterised by their friendly demeanour and general sense of tolerance toward visitors to their land. They are a proud and yet somewhat private people, who generally refrain from outward displays of public emotion, avoid frivolous conversation and tend to be wary of those who talk too much. The younger population is highly educated, Finland currently regarded as having the best school system according to international comparisons.
As any Finn will tell you, Finland is not a Scandinavian nation and it is polite not to group Finns with citizens of other Nordic countries. The country maintains two official languages; Finish which is spoken by 94 percent of the population, and Swedish which is spoken in the south-western and western coastal areas and Aland Islands. However, most young people in Finland speak fluent English, whilst German, French, and Russian is commonly understood.
Finland is also a country rich in culture, many of the activities and festivals drawing themes from the climatic influences which so greatly influence the life of its inhabitants. The long light filled days of summer provide the backdrop for numerous international festivals of music and dance whilst the vast winter landscape provides a unique setting for all conceivable winter sports and activities.
Finland’s economy continues to grow at above average levels, prospering from a booming timber industry and the embracement of modern technology, making it one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Its proximity to Russia and its developed infrastructure has provided the ideal conditions for numerous large foreign companies to use Finland as a base for operations into the former Soviet Union.
As a tourist destination, the appeal of Finland is adequately suited to the needs of the sophisticated traveller, particularly those with a bent for outdoor living. Friendly people, exceptional standards of service, quality accommodation and world class facilities help draw over 2.5 million tourists annually.
And whilst the appeal of spectacular un-spoilt wilderness features foremost, for those more accustomed to a higher degree of modernity there exists an exemplary presence of fine art and architecture, stylish cafes, restaurants and bars, most notably within the capital, Helsinki. Finland’s design credence is none more evident when viewed through the work of Alvar Aalto, whose humanist approach to modernism extended into such diverse fields as glassware, furniture and commercial buildings.
A Brief History:
With settlement of the region dating back to the first millennium BC, Finland has experienced a rich and turbulent history. It has existed both independently and under the opposing rule of Russia and Sweden, who have fought for many centuries to secure control of the land which divides them.
From the 12th to the 19th centuries, Finland operated as a province and then Grand Duchy under Swedish rule, reverting to Russian administration in 1809.
In 1917 Finland gained its independence and autonomy, albeit still operating under the shadow of the Russian Empire. With heavy fighting during World War II it successfully defended itself and resisted invasion once again from the Soviet Union, although it came at the expense of forfeited territories and reparation.
Full independence was recognised in 1947 upon signing of the formal peace treaty. Since then, Finland has undergone a remarkable transformation from a rural existence to a diversified modern industrial economy. It was the only Nordic state to join the euro system upon its initiation in January 1999.
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