
Finland 2025

General information:Finland
Official name: Republic of Finland
Capital: Helsinki
Population: Approximately 5.6 million (2024)
Area: 338,462 km² (8th largest country in Europe)
Official languages: Finnish and Swedish
Government type: Republic, parliamentary democracy
President: Alexander Stubb (2024–)
Prime Minister: Petteri Orpo (2023–)
EU membership since: January 1, 1995
Nature and geography:
Finland has over 188,000 lakes, earning it the nickname "Land of a Thousand Lakes"
About 75% of Finland is covered by forests
Highest point: Halti fell (1,324 m), Enontekiö
Longest river: Kemijoki (550 km)
In summer, the north experiences the Midnight Sun, when the sun does not set at all
In winter, Lapland experiences polar night (Kaamos), when the sun does not rise at all
Economy and well-being:
Currency: Euro (€) (in use since 2002)
GDP per capita: Around 58,000 USD (2024)
Finland is one of the least corrupt countries in the world
Finland’s education system is often ranked among the best globally
Education and healthcare are free in Finland
Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world multiple times (World Happiness Report)
Culture and society:
Finland has the most metal bands per capita in the world
Finns consume the most coffee per capita worldwide – over 10 kg per person annually
Finland’s national epic is Kalevala
Finnish inventions include: SMS text message, Linux operating system, heart rate monitor, Angry Birds game
Finns are known for their "sisu", a unique blend of resilience and determination
Interesting facts:
Finland has more saunas than cars (over 3 million saunas)
Finland contributed to funding the Global Seed Vault in Svalbard (also known as the "Doomsday Seed Bank")
Santa Claus’s official home is in Korvatunturi, Lapland
Finland hosts wife-carrying, swamp soccer, and air guitar competitions