338,000 square kilometres

Europe's 7^th biggest country

Country is divided into 12 provinces

Forests cover 2/3 of Finland

The Arctic circle covers 1/3

30 National Parks (Finland is considered one of Europe's last great wildernesses although at risk from clear filling, pulp factories and acid rain)

5.2 million population, half of which live in the south and south west of the country

15 people per square kilometre

Finland enjoys four very different seasons (an almost continuous 2 month day and almost continuous darkness in winter)

Shares borders with Russia, Norway, Sweden and the BalticSeas

Most businesses are privately owned but the government spending still makes up 63% of the GDP

Huge welfare system providing Finns with a broad level of equality

During the 90's unemployment has remained around the 16% level. (Why work when through government assistance you can still maintain a high living standard)

Finland's tax is said to be the highest in the world. e.g. 95% of the cost of a bottle of Vodka goes to the government

Metals and Engineering are the dominant industry

Cruise ships and mobile communications are two other big industries (Nokia).

The main mineral wealth of Finland is Zinc, copper, lead, silver and gold.

Main crops are cereals, potatoes and sugar beet

Its main trading partners are Germany, UK, Netherlands, France, USA and Russia

Tourism is limited by the weather of Finland.

About 5 million people visit Finland every year

Europeans are able to ski Finland all year round but in the winter months it proves too cold and unpleasant for most European skiers

Its main tourist season runs from early June until late August

Presidential Republic

President elected every 6 years by the people

Prime Minister is elected every 4 years by parliaments 200 members

The Finnish flag is white with a blue cross

Image of a log cabin with a sauna by a forest lake captures the spirit of the Finnish culture.

Independent people, very gritty and resilient, determined.

100% literacy rate

One doctor for every 410 people

90% of Finns are Evangelical Lutherans

The language is a Uralic language, closely related to Estonian

English is widely spoken but not to the extent of many other Scandinavian countries

Currency is the Euro

Finland is cheaper than Sweden and Norway but still very expensive when compared to other parts of the world

The sauna is a big part of Finnish life, symbolic of physical and emotional cleansing

Fanatics will roll in the snow or dip in a near freezing lake during sauna time (Nude!)

Food- Seisova Poyta (Smorgasbord) inc. Soups and Fish

Drink- Beers and spirits very expensive, only cheap alcohol is low alcohol beer.

Sport - Soccer and athletics popular in summer, Ice Hockey and skiing popular in winter

Pesapallo also popular (Finnish baseball)

My name is Robee Kann, for four years I was a tour guide throughout Europe. I loved my job and I would love to hear from you. You are most welcome to message me to say hello or request a hub about a European subject. Please look at my other hubs and leave a comment for me.