Finland is a country located in Northern Europe.
Table of Contents
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Overview
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- Finland: An Introduction
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- The Land of Finland
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- The people of Finland
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- The history of Finland
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- The culture of Finland
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- The economy of Finland
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- The government of Finland
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- Education in Finland
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- Healthcare in Finland
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- Tourism in Finland
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References
Overview
Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, and Norway to the north. Finland has a population of approximately 5.5 million people, and its capital city is Helsinki.
Finland is known for its natural beauty, and its outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing. The country is also home to a number of world-renowned architects and designers.
Finland has a Nordic welfare state, and its citizens enjoy universal healthcare and free education. The country is also a leading producer of mobile phones and electronic devices.
- Finland: An Introduction
Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Norway to the north, Sweden to the northwest, and Russia to the east. Finland has a population of approximately 5.5 million people and an area of 338,424 square kilometers (130,666 square miles), making it the eighth largest country in Europe and the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is the largest city in the country with a population of over 1.1 million people.
Finland is a parliamentary republic with a central government based in the capital city of Helsinki, local governments in 312 municipalities, and an autonomous region, the Åland Islands. A president is elected for a six-year term by the Parliament. The current president is Sauli Niinistö. The prime minister is Juha Sipilä.
Finland is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, and the Council of Europe. It is also a founding member of the Nordic Council, and a part of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation of Northern European countries. Finland is ranked first in the World Happiness Report and the Legatum Prosperity Index.
- The Land of Finland
Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, and Norway to the north. Finland is a parliamentary republic with a capital of Helsinki.
The Finnish landscape is mostly flat with interspersed lakes and forests. Finland is the eighth largest country in Europe and the most sparsely populated country in the European Union.
The climate in Finland is variable, depending on the location. The southern and western parts of the country have a temperate climate, while the northern and eastern parts have a subarctic climate.
Finland is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Common animals include elk, reindeer, lynx, and brown bears.
The Finnish economy is export-oriented with a focus on timber, paper, and metals. Finland is also a leading producer of mobile phones and electric vehicles.
- The people of Finland
Finland is a land of great contrasts. The country’s population is 5.5 million (2017), and the majority live in the southern part of the country. The capital city of Helsinki is home to one in five Finns. The rest of the population is spread out across the country, with the largest cities being Espoo, Tampere and Turku.
The Finnish people are a friendly and welcoming bunch, and are known for their love of nature and outdoor activities. The country has a strong tradition of equality, and this is reflected in the high levels of gender equality and social mobility.
Finland is a land of great contrasts. The country’s population is 5.5 million (2017), and the majority live in the southern part of the country. The capital city of Helsinki is home to one in five Finns. The rest of the population is spread out across the country, with the largest cities being Espoo, Tampere and Turku.
The Finnish people are a friendly and welcoming bunch, and are known for their love of nature and outdoor activities. The country has a strong tradition of equality, and this is reflected in the high levels of gender equality and social mobility.
- The history of Finland
Finland is a country located in Northern Europe. The history of Finland can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, when the area was inhabited by a group of people known as the Finns. The first written record of Finland dates back to the 12th century, when it was mentioned in a German document. Finland later became a part of Sweden, and was ruled by Sweden for over 600 years. In 1809, Finland was annexed by Russia, and remained a part of Russia until 1917, when it declared its independence. Finland has a long history of political and economic stability, and is a member of the European Union.
- The culture of Finland
Finland has a rich and vibrant culture that has been shaped by its history and geography. The country is renowned for its design and architecture, as well as its music and film industry. Finland is also home to a number of indigenous peoples, who have their own unique cultures and traditions.
The culture of Finland is often described as being ‘quiet’, ‘contemplative’ and ‘reserved’. This is in contrast to the more outgoing and extroverted cultures of other Nordic countries such as Sweden and Denmark. However, there is also a strong sense of community and togetherness in Finnish culture. This is evident in the country’s popular sauna culture, where people often meet to socialise and relax.
Finland has a strong literary tradition, and is the birthplace of many famous authors including the Nobel Prize-winning writer Toni Morrison. The country is also home to a number of internationally acclaimed films, such as ‘The Man Without a Past’ and ’ Aki Kaurismäki’s The Other Side of Hope’.
Music is an important part of Finnish culture, and the country is home to a number of world-renowned composers such as Jean Sibelius and Einojuhani Rautavaara. The Finnish music scene is also diverse, with a number of popular genres including metal, hip hop and electronic music.
The arts are also highly valued in Finland, and the country is home to a number of world-renowned museums and galleries. Finnish design is particularly well-regarded, and the country is home to many iconic brands such as Marimekko and Iittala.
If you’re interested in learning more about the culture of Finland, there are a number of excellent resources available online and in libraries.
- The economy of Finland
The economy of Finland is a mixed economy with a heavy emphasis on free-market capitalism.
The Finnish economy is highly diversified, with a strong focus on exports. The main sectors of the economy are forestry, electronics, engineering, metallurgy, and construction.
Finland has a highly industrialized, free-market economy with per capita GDP slightly higher than the US, and unemployment at just over 8%.
The economy is highly dependent on exports, especially in the high-tech and forestry sectors. The main export partners are Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The main economic challenges facing Finland are the high cost of labor and the decline of traditional industries such as paper and textiles.
- The government of Finland
Finland has a parliamentary system with universal suffrage in which the prime minister is the head of government and the president is the head of state.
The prime minister is nominated by the parliament and must have the support of a majority of MPs to be elected. The president is elected by direct popular vote.
The parliament, known as the Eduskunta, has 200 members elected for a four-year term. The parliament is unicameral.
The president is elected for a six-year term and can be elected for a maximum of two terms.
The president appoints the prime minister and, on the latter’s recommendation, the other members of the government. The president also has the power to dissolve parliament and call new elections.
The prime minister and the other members of the government are responsible to parliament.
The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
- Education in Finland
In Finland, education is a key priority. The country offers a wide range of educational opportunities, from pre-primary to tertiary level.
Finland has a highly effective education system, which is free of charge at all levels. In recent years, the country has been ranked among the top performers in international education assessments.
Primary and secondary education in Finland is compulsory for all children aged 6-16. The vast majority of children attend public schools, which are managed by municipalities.
There are also a number of private schools in Finland, which typically offer a more selective education. Higher education in Finland is provided by a range of universities and polytechnics.
Finland has a strong tradition of adult education, and there are numerous opportunities for adults to continue their studies at all levels.
- Healthcare in Finland
Healthcare in Finland is universal and largely publicly funded through taxes. In 2012, Finland’s health expenditure was 9.3% of GDP, or EUR 33.4 billion, the third highest per capita in the European Union. The public system is managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and most services are delivered by municipal employees.
Most primary care is provided by municipal health centers, with more specialized care provided by university hospitals. There are no private hospitals in Finland, though some physicians work in private practices, often in association with a hospital. In general, care is readily available and access to specialist care is good.
Finland has a highly decentralized system of health care, with the municipalities responsible for most primary and preventive care. The country has a National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which covers everyone residing in Finland for most health care services. The NHI system is financed through general taxation, and is supplemented by patient co-payments for some services.
There is a small but growing private health care sector in Finland, which accounted for 3.4% of total health care expenditure in 2012. The private sector is mostly made up of occupational health care providers, which are required by law to cover all employees in Finland.
- Tourism in Finland
Tourism in Finland is a growing industry. In 2016, Finland welcomed a record number of international tourists, with over 2.8 million arrivals. This was an increase of 10% over the previous year.
Most tourists come to Finland in the summer months, when the weather is warm and there is an abundance of daylight. The majority of visitors come from neighbouring countries such as Sweden, Russia and Estonia. However, there is a growing number of tourists from further afield, such as China and the United States.
There are a number of reasons why Finland is an attractive destination for tourists. The country’s natural beauty, its midnight sun and Northern Lights, and its diverse landscape of forests, lakes and islands all make it a unique place to visit. Finland is also a safe and stable country, with a high standard of living.
There are a number of things to see and do in Finland. In the capital city of Helsinki, visitors can explore the city’s architecture, museums and art galleries. Outside of the city, there are a number of national parks and nature reserves to explore. Finland is also home to a number of theme parks, such as Santa Claus Village and Linnanmäki.
Finland is a great place to visit for a holiday. Whether you are looking to explore the country’s natural beauty, or enjoy its urban attractions, Finland has something to offer everyone.
References
- “Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “History of Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “Geography of Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “Politics of Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “Economy of Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “Demographics of Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “Culture of Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “Religion in Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “Education in Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
- “Health in Finland.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
