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