Capital: Helsinki
Area sq km: 338424.00 km²
Area sq miles: 130666.00 mi²
Population: ~ 5.50 million
Official Languages: Finnish, Swedish
Widely Spoken: English
Currency: Euro (€)
Driving Side: right
ISO Codes: FIN
Calling Code: 358
Median Mobile Internet Speed:
- Download: 108.94 Mbps
- Upload: 16.84 Mbps
- Latency: 21 ms
- Global Rank: #15
Median Broadband Internet Speed:
- Download: 115.47 Mbps
- Upload: 49.52 Mbps
- Latency: 12 ms
- Global Rank: #40
Electrical Socket Type:
C
Type E and F plugs will also fit in type C sockets
F
Type C and E plugs will also fit in type F sockets
Continent: Europe
Bordering Countries: Norway, Sweden, Russia
Climate: Finland experiences a diverse climate, with warm summers and cold winters characteristic of its northern location. The country's climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream, which brings mild temperatures to coastal areas, and Arctic winds, which bring cold winters and snowfall to the interior regions. Summers are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, while winters offer opportunities for skiing and experiencing the magic of Lapland.
Emergency Police: 112
Emergency Ambulance: 112
Emergency Fire: 112
Tipping:
Vaccinations for Most Travelers: Tetanus
Vaccinations for Some Travelers: Rabies (Bat Lyssavirus), Tick-borne encephalitis
History
Finland's history is a tale of resilience and adaptation, shaped by centuries of Swedish and Russian rule before gaining independence in 1917. From the Viking Age settlements to the medieval era under Swedish rule and the Grand Duchy period under Russian sovereignty, Finland's past is reflected in its diverse architecture, traditions, and cultural influences.
Culture
Finnish culture is deeply rooted in nature, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, outdoor activities, and the sauna tradition. From the iconic Finnish sauna experience to the celebration of Midsummer (Juhannus) and the reverence for nature spirits (haltija), Finnish culture is infused with a deep connection to the natural world.
Cuisine
Finnish cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients and simple yet flavorful dishes. Traditional Finnish cuisine often includes fish, such as salmon and herring, as well as meats like reindeer and elk. Finnish specialties like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pastries), rye bread, and hearty soups are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Language
Finnish and Swedish are the two official languages of Finland, with Finnish being the most widely spoken by the majority of the population. Finnish is a unique language with no linguistic ties to its neighboring countries, making it an intriguing aspect of Finnish culture. English is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, making it easy for travelers to communicate.
Politics
Finland is a parliamentary republic with a stable political system and a strong tradition of democracy and social welfare. The country is known for its progressive policies on education, healthcare, and gender equality, ranking consistently high in global indices of quality of life and happiness. Travelers can expect a safe and welcoming environment while exploring Finland's cities, towns, and wilderness areas.
Religions
Tap Water
Tap Water Global Rank #1
#1 would be highest quality tap water and #195 would be lowest quality tap water.
Crime
Global Crime Rank #177
#1 would be highest in crime and #195 would be lowest in crime.
LGBTQ
Global LGBTQ Rank #11
#1 would be highest in LGBTQ friendliness and #195 would be lowest in LGBTQ friendliness.
Cannabis Laws Recreational Illegal but sometimes not enforced Medical Legal under license