|
|
|
Facts About Finland
This page is designed to give you a quick snapshot of some key facts and stats about Finland.
The majority of this information was researched through the Embassy of Finland and related websites.
If you have any interesting Finn factoids or stats you'd like to share, please send us e-mail.
Quick Menu
Climate |
Currency |
Economy |
Education |
Geography |
Government
History |
Language |
Media |
Population |
Religion
Climate
Finns enjoy a climate of cold winters and warm summers. The mean
annual temperature in Helsinki is +5.3 degrees Celsius (41.5 Fahrenheit).
Winter temps often dip as low as -20 C (-4 F), while summer highs
will sometimes approach +30 C (86 F).
Interesting facts: in the far north section of Finland, the sun does not
set for 73 days in summer (white nights) and does not rise for 51 days
(polar nights) during winter.
Currency
Finland is a member of the European Union (EU). The currency is the Euro,
which replaced the Finnish markka in 2002.
Economy
Finland has an Advanced Industrial economy. A full 2/3 of the nation's
economic output comes from the service sector. 50% of Finland's exports
are in metal/engineering/electronics, while another 31% are related to
the forest industry (paper, timber, furniture).
Unfortunately, Finland has been suffering the effects of a lingering recession
in recent years. As a result, the nation's unemployment rate remains rather
high (9.2% in 2002, down from a peak of 16.6% in 1994).
Education
All Finns are required to get their basic education between the ages
of 7 to 16. They may then choose to further their education at an upper
secondary (3 year term) or vocational (2-5 year terms) school.
Geography
Finland is situated in northern Europe between latitude parallels
60 and 70. Her neighbors include Norway (N), Estonia (S, across the
Gulf of Finland), Russia (E) and Sweden (W).
Much of the country is comprised of a gentle plateau of worn bedrock and
boreal forests. This scenic mixture of wooded hills and waters is a common
beauty shared throughout Finland. Did you know that?:
- 75% of Finland is covered by forests
- 10% of Finland is under water
- There are nearly 188,000 lakes in Finland
- 25% of Finland is north of the Arctic Circle
Government
Finland operates as a republic and has been independent since 1917.
The country has a President (Tarja Halonen,
Finland's first woman prez, elected in 2000),
but the real governing power comes from the 200-member parliament known as
the
Eduskunta. The majority of seats are held by the Social
Democratic, Centre, National Coaltion and Left Wing Alliance parties.
History
Here are some important dates in Finnish history:
- 1155
The first missionaries arrive in Finland from Sweden.
Finland becomes part of the Swedish realm.
- 1809
Sweden surrenders Finland to Russia. The Czar declares
Finland a semi-autonomous Grand Duchy with himself as
constitutional monarch represented by a governor general.
- 1917
Finland declares independence from Russia on December 6.
The new state is first recognized by the Soviet Union,
France, Germany and Sweden.
- 1919
The present constitution is adopted and Finland becomes
a republic with a president as head of state.
- 1939-40
The Soviet Union attacks Finland and the Winter War is fought.
- 1941-44
Fighting between Finnish and Russian forces resumes in the
campaign known as the Continuation War. A massive offensive
by Soviet forces in the summer of 1944 forces the Finns to
sue for peace. Some territory was ceded to the Soviet Union,
but Finland was never occupied and preserved its independence
and sovereignty.
- 1955
Finland joins the United Nations.
- 1995
Finland becomes a member of the European Union.
Language
The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish. (Note: visit
our books page to learn more
about the Finnish language).
Media
Finland has one of the highest literacy rates in the world (close to 100%)
and her people like to read. There are over 200 newspapers that publish at
least once a week and they have a combined circulation of 3.6 million.
The largest newspaper is the Helsingin Sanomat,
which boasts an average daily circulation of 454,707.
The electronic media is growing in Finland. There are now 4 nationwide
television stations, two of which are operated by YLE (Finnish Broadcasting
Company). Approximately 40 foreign channels are available on cable.
YLE also operates several radio stations, including 4 nationwide channels
(3 broadcast in Finnish, 1 in Swedish). There are another 60 or so
privately-owned radio stations throughout Finland.
Population
Finland's estimated population is 5,171,000. 65% of the country's
residents live in urban areas, while 35% reside in rural areas.
Helsinki is the capital and Finland's largest city (551,123).
Other major cities include Espoo (209,667), Tampere (193,174),
Vantaa (176,386), Turku (172,107) and Oulu (117,670).
Religion
The majority of Finns (88%) belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
1% are considered Finnish Orthodox, while 11% follow other religions.
Quick Menu
Climate |
Currency |
Economy |
Education |
Geography |
Government
History |
Language |
Media |
Population |
Religion
Back to Top of Page
|
