Important information for reporting about Finland. Interesting facts about Finland
Official name- Republic of Finland (Suomen Tasavalta). It is located in northern Europe in the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The area is 337 thousand km2 (about 1/3 of it is beyond the Arctic Circle), 9.4% - inland waters, mainly lakes. The population is 5.16 million people. (2002). The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. The capital is Helsinki (500 thousand people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day December 6 (since 1917). The monetary unit is the euro (since 2002, before that the Finnish mark).
Member of the UN (since 1955), the Nordic Council (since 1955), the EU (since 1995), etc.
Sights of Finland
Geography of Finland
Finland (Finnish Suomi or Saomeumaa - country of lakes or swamps) is located between 70° 5' 30'' and 59° 30' 10'' north latitude and 20° 33' 27'' and 31° 35' 20'' east longitude . In the south and west, the shores are washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea, its bays - Finnish and Bothnian. The length of the coastline (excluding sinuosity) is 1100 km. It borders in the east with the Russian Federation (the length of the borders is 1269 km), in the north-west with Sweden (586 km) and in the north with Norway (716 km).
The landscape of the country is strongly leveled, the relief is flat. The shores of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia are predominantly low-lying, strongly dissected by numerous small bays and abound in skerries, especially in the south and southwest. St. 1/3 of the territory below sea level by 100 m, St. 2/3 - lower by 200 m. The central part - the Lake Plateau - is bounded by the Salpausselkä ridges, the Suomenselkä Upland, and from the east by the Karelian Upland. Uplands (height 400-600 m) are concentrated in Lapland, the largest is Manselkya. In the northwest is a small section of the Scandinavian Highlands (altitude up to 1328 m - Mount Haltiatunturi).
A dense network of short but deep rivers(Kemi-Joki, Kyumi-Joki, Kokemäen-Joki, Tornio-Joki) with numerous rapids and waterfalls (including Imatra on the Vuoksa River). The rivers are fed by rain and snow, their flow is often regulated by lakes. Flood in late spring and summer, occasional rain floods in autumn. Lakes (55-75 thousand) are often elongated in the direction of movement of ancient glaciers - from northwest to southeast, winding shores, dotted with numerous islands, interconnected by channels and form large lake systems, incl. Saimaa (area 4.4 thousand km2), Päijänne, Inari, Oulujärvi. Rivers and lakes are covered with ice for 5-7 months, in summer - timber rafting.
The soils are mainly podzolic, alternating with peat-bog, also sod-podzolic, in the north - mountain-forest podzolic. St. 1/3 of the territory is swampy. A high degree of moisture and the presence of glacial boulders hinder agricultural use and require extensive land reclamation. Forests - 87.3% of the territory, mainly of the taiga type (pine, spruce, birch), in the south and southwest with an admixture of broad-leaved species.
Most of the animal world belongs to the Palearctic zone, which is also characteristic of the north-west of the Russian Federation: large predatory beasts(wolf, wolverine, lynx, bear) and birds (golden eagle, white-tailed eagle). Found in forests approx. 70 species of mammals: elk, fox, squirrel, ermine. Birds are represented by 350 species: crow, magpie, cuckoo, thrush, woodpecker, bullfinch, black grouse. In the waters of rivers and lakes there are 36 species of fish (salmon, trout, whitefish, perch, pike, pike perch). There are 30 more species of fish in the Baltic Sea: herring, flounder, cod and smelt. Gray seals are found near the coast.
Minerals are associated with the main rocks - quartzites and shales in fault zones. In terms of reserves of chromites, vanadium and cobalt - 1st place in Western Europe, titanium and nickel - 2nd, copper and pyrite - 3rd. Deposits of copper-sulfide (Outokumpu, Luikonlahti, Pyhyasalmi and Hammaslahti), copper-nickel (Vuonos, Kotalahti, Stromi, Hitura, Nivala), polymetallic (Vihanti) ores. There are also deposits of apatite, graphite, magnesite, asbestos, talc, marble, granite and peat.
The climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental, and continental in the north. The Baltic Sea and the proximity of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic have a mitigating effect on it. Winter is long, frosty, with strong winds and plenty of snow; summer is relatively warm, but short. The average temperature in February (the coldest month - maximum -30°С) is -3-6°С in the north and south-west, -12-14°С in the north. The average temperature in July (the warmest month - maximum + 35°С) is + 13-17°С in the south and + 14-15°С in the north. Precipitation per year is 600-650 mm, 1/3 falls in winter. In spring, the snow cover does not disappear until April. In summer, white nights can be observed almost throughout the territory; on the west coast, the water heats up to +20°C. Fog is frequent in the coastal regions of the country.
Population of Finland
The population is increasing slowly, mainly due to a small natural increase (0.4% per year in the 1990s). Infant mortality 5.6 pers. per 1000 newborns. The average life expectancy for men is 74 years, for women - 81.5 years.
Economically active population (2002) 2.16 million people The general trend is the movement of the population to cities. Average density 15 people. per 1 km2, 9/10 of the total population lives in the southwestern and southern parts of the country, south of the line Pori - Tampere - Kumenlaskso - Kotka. Lapland is the most deserted part - 2-3 people. per 1 km2.
The largest cities: Helsinki, Tampere (174 thousand people), Turku (160 thousand), Oulu (102 thousand).
The ethnic composition is homogeneous, St. 90% of the inhabitants are Finns. In the southern and western coastal regions - Swedes (300 thousand people), in the north - 2 thousand Saami (Lapps) speak the Saami language. 100 thousand foreigners live, of which 23 thousand are Russians.
The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. Finnish is spoken approx. 93% of the population, Swedish is the mother tongue for 6% of the country's inhabitants. Finnish is part of the group of Baltic-Finnic languages belonging to the Finno-Ugric, or Uralic, family of languages, which are spoken in total approx. 23 million people
The vast majority of believers belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church (90%), there are Orthodox (1%).
History of Finland
All R. 1st millennium AD areas of initial settlement of Finno-Ugric tribes were formed. On the basis of the merger of the tribal groups of Sumi, Emi, Korelov, the Finnish people took shape. However, due to economic and geographical reasons, the state-political consolidation of the Finnish tribes was not achieved. All R. 12th c. the conquest of the country by the Swedish feudal lords begins. According to the Peace of Orekhov in 1323, which for the first time determined the state border between Sweden and Russia, the territory of modern Finland (Swedish Finland, i.e. the land of the Finns) became part of the Swedish kingdom. Swedish law and social order took root here, under which the Finnish peasant was never enslaved and retained personal freedom. The constant wars of Sweden against Russia in the 2nd half. 16th century had a disastrous effect on the position of the Finnish peasantry. The reformation launched by M. Luther also spread to Finland, which contributed to the rise of the Finnish-speaking culture. The reformer and founder of the Finnish literary language, Bishop M. Agricola of Turku, translated the New Testament into Finnish in 1548.
During the great power period (1617-1721), Sweden was able to push the border of Finland further to the east. As a result of the Swedish-Russian war of 1808-09, Russia conquered Finland. The meeting of representatives of the estates, convened by the Russian government in the city of Borgo (Borgo Seim 1809), approved the "special" conditions for the country to join the Russian Empire as the Grand Duchy of Finland with broad autonomy.
In the 1820-40s. in connection with the formation of the Finnish nation, the Finnoman movement developed, fighting for the equality of the Finnish language with Swedish. Compiled by E. Lennrut, the national epic Kalevala was published in 1835. The so-called. Golden age of Finnish culture: poet E. Leino, composer J. Sibelius, artist A. Galen-Kallela. With the language manifesto published by Alexander II in 1863, the path of Finnish to obtaining the status of the state language began. These processes and internal reforms in Russia contributed to the formation of the Finnish nation and statehood.
The need to equalize economic conditions within the empire and the growing strategic importance of the Baltic coast prompted con. 19th century the tsarist government to switch to a policy of infringement of Finnish autonomy. In the beginning. 1880s the first trade unions and workers' unions appeared; in 1899 the Finnish Workers' Party (from 1903 - the Social Democratic Party of Finland, SDPF) was founded. In the beginning. 20th century economic growth continued, shifts in the structure of society (the number of landless people increased, emigration of the population increased, mainly to the USA). Under the influence of the Russian Revolution of 1905–07, a national revolutionary movement unfolded, new political parties took shape, the estate parliament became elective, and Finnish women, for the first time in Europe, received equal voting rights. October Revolution brought national independence to Russia. On December 6, 1917, the parliament adopted a declaration declaring Finland an independent state, and on December 18 (31), 1917, the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR recognized its sovereignty.
Social and political contradictions between the right and left led to a civil war, which ended in May 1918 with the victory of government forces under the command of G. Mannerheim with the direct participation of the German expeditionary forces. In the summer of 1919, Finland was officially declared a republic, and K. J. Stolberg (1865-1952) was elected the first president. Domestic political situation in the 1920s. did not differ in stability: in 1919-30 14 governments were replaced. In the autumn of 1929, a fascist, so-called. Lapuan movement. In 1930 the parliament was dissolved, the worker deputies were arrested. In 1930-31, the right-wing bourgeois government of P. Svinhufvud, who became president in 1931-37, was in power.
On November 30, 1939, the Soviet-Finnish "winter war" began, which ended in the defeat of Finland and the signing of a peace treaty in Moscow on March 12, 1940. On June 22, 1941, she entered the war against the USSR on the side of Nazi Germany, and formally announced only on June 26, the so-called. continuation war. In September 1944, as a result of victories Soviet army Finland ceased hostilities; in March 1945, at the request of the allies in the anti-Hitler coalition, it declared war on the Third Reich. In 1947, a peace treaty was signed in Paris, under the terms of which Finland, in addition to the territories lost in 1940 on the Karelian Isthmus, ceded Soviet Union and the Petsamo area. In April 1948, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance (DDSVP) was signed between the USSR and Finland.
Yu. K. Paasikivi (1870-1956), who was elected president in 1946, strove to create trusting relations with the USSR. DDSVP formed the basis of the so-called. Paasikivi lines. Over the following years, the country's international position began to strengthen: in 1952, the Olympic Games were held in Helsinki. The goal of W.K. Kekkonen, who was elected president of the republic in 1956, was to ensure the functioning of the presidential republic and the expansion of foreign policy freedom of action under the sign of an active policy of neutrality by continuing the Paasikivi-Kekkonen line. This was reflected in the initiatives to organize and hold the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in Helsinki in the summer of 1975. M. Koivisto was elected the new president of the republic in 1982.
Thanks to the Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line, it was possible to maintain friendly relations with the USSR and close ties with Western countries. Soviet-Finnish relations were an exemplary example of a policy of peaceful coexistence. An intensive political dialogue and a high level of trade were maintained (25% in the mid-1980s, which ensured an increase of 1-2% of GDP). In 1973, the country entered into an agreement with the EU on free trade in manufactured goods, in 1986 it became a full member of the EFTA, and in 1989 the European Council.
A. Ahtisaari became the tenth president of the republic in the 1994 elections, in 2000 for the first time a woman became president - Tarja Halonen. In the parliamentary elections of 1995, the Finland Center party was defeated, and the new chairman of the SDPF, Paavo Lipponen, formed a unique government, which was called the "rainbow coalition". In addition to the left - the SDPF, the Union of Left Forces, the Union of "Greens" (in June 2001 it left because of disagreement to expand nuclear energy), it also included the right - the National Coalition Party (NKP), the Swedish People's Party.
State structure and political system of Finland
Finland is a democratic unitary legal state with a republican form of government. Four constitutional laws together make up the Constitution: Act on the form of government (adopted on July 17, 1919 - amendments and additions were made in 1926, 1930, 1943, 1955, 1992 and 2000), Act on the right of parliament to control the legality of the activities of the Council of State and the Chancellor of Justice 1922, Act on the Supreme Court (1922) and the Parliamentary Charter (1928). In accordance with the amendments to the constitutional acts of 2000, the country moved from a presidential to a parliamentary democracy.
According to the Electoral Act of 1998, elections of 4 levels were established: in Eduskunt - a unicameral parliament, presidential elections, elections to local authorities (446 communes) and elections of 16 deputies to the European Parliament (since 1999). The right to vote is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 18.
Administratively, Finland is divided into 6 provinces, which are subdivided into counties.
The head of state is President Tarja Halonen (since February 2000), who is directly elected by the population for a term of 6 years (in 1919-94, elections were held in two stages). The President formally has broad powers.
The supreme legislative body - Eduskunt - is a unicameral parliament consisting of 200 deputies elected by the population for 4 years under the proportional representation system.
Head of the highest executive body - the State Council - Prime Minister, Prime Minister (Matti Vanhanen - Finland Center Party, since June 2003).
Local government in the lyani (provinces) is carried out by a board headed by a governor appointed by the president. The Åland Islands (province of Akhvenanma) were granted partial autonomy. Local self-government bodies in communes are city and rural communal councils elected for 4 years.
The judiciary includes the Supreme Court, whose members are appointed by the president for life; 4 courts of appeal and courts of 1st instance: city and district (in rural areas). There is also an administrative justice system.
The party-political system is close to the Scandinavian model, although here inter-party cooperation between right and left is uncharacteristic for neighbors. On the left flank is the Social Democratic Party of Finland (SDPF; Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue), the largest - 100,000 members. Two parties adjoin it - the Union of Left Forces (SLS) and the ecological party the League of Greens (LZ). After systemic changes in the USSR / RF in the 1980s - early. 90s, which caused another crisis in the ranks of the Finnish left, supporters of the Communist Party of Finland (KPF, Suomen Kommunistinen Puolue, founded on August 29, 1918) and the Democratic Union of the People of Finland (DSNF, Suomen Kansan Demokraattinen Liitto, 1944) moved to the ranks of the left socialists who united in the SLS.
The center-right bloc consists of 4 major parties. The Finnish Center Party (FC, Keskustapuolue) was founded in 1906, until October 1965 it was called the Agrarian Union. The National Coalition Party (NKP, Kansallinen Kokoomus) was founded in 1918. The Swedish People's Party (SNP, Svenska Folkspartiet Finland) was founded in 1906; the main national minority of the country traditionally votes for it. The Christian Democrats (CD) trace their lineage to the Christian Union formed in 1975.
At the regular parliamentary elections held on March 16, 2003, 70% of Finnish citizens took part (out of 4.2 million people in the country and 200 thousand abroad). The main themes of the election campaign - social problems, although there has been controversy over government policy towards Iraq. The question of the country's possible membership in NATO did not become central theme thanks to the awareness of the Finnish leadership of geopolitical realities and the unwillingness to create concern in the Russian Federation. The race for votes was between the ruling SDPF and the largest opposition federal center. As a result, the centrists outperformed their rivals and became the most popular party in the country, winning 55 seats. To achieve an increase of 7 deputies (24.7% of the vote, which is 2.3% more than 4 years ago), the centrists were helped by the election program of the chairman of the Federal Center Anneli Jayatteenmäki called "A Lighter Alternative". Although the Social Democrats received 0.2% less votes than the FC, they have 53 mandates, having increased their faction by 2 deputies. The NKP received 18.5% of the vote and 40 seats, which is 6 mandates less. As a result, the parliament was renewed by a third, a number of minor factions appeared, such as the exotic Real Finns party.
As a result of the elections in April 2003, a new coalition government was created, where there are "main opponents": the SDPF, the SNP and the FC (a total of 84 deputies), headed by Anneli Jayatteenmäki (FC). In addition, for the first time in the country, both the president and the prime minister are women. The new government will have to rely on the informal support of the SLS, the LZ and the center parties.
The regrouping of party-political forces after the March 2003 elections did not affect the socio-economic course. All forces are in favor of maintaining the current model of the "welfare state". The "sensitivity" of the Social Democrats to the proposals of the Finnish trade unions will obviously meet with active opposition from the right. Consensus remains on foreign policy issues, despite slight differences in the views of parliamentary parties on the extent of the country's participation in the EU and on the issue of the country's accession to NATO.
The components of the Finnish model of the “welfare state”, like those of the Scandinavian neighbors, are the qualitative free system education, public health care and social protection in case of illness or unemployment, which provide a highly skilled and secure workforce. An important role in this regard is played by the Central Organization of Trade Unions of Finland (more than 1 million members). Entrepreneurs also have a coherent system of allied organizations.
The end of the Cold War and the end of the division of Europe had a direct impact on foreign policy countries. In September 1990, the Finnish government declared that the provisions of the Paris Peace Treaty (1947), which limited Finland's sovereignty, had lost their meaning.
The development of integration in Europe required Finland to be more active in foreign policy. When Sweden applied for EU membership in the summer of 1991, this prompted Helsinki to take a similar step (March 1992). In a referendum (October 1994), 57% of the Finns who took part in the vote supported the country's accession to the EU, and in November 1994, the parliament, with 152 votes in favor and 45 against, confirmed the country's accession to the EU from January 1995.
Integration policy within the EU has become a central element of the entire international political course of the country. Resolutely rejecting the policy of "Finlandization" and non-participation in the alliances of the West, the Finnish establishment has taken a line to occupy a worthy place in the EU. To this end, the Finnish authorities put forward a proposal for a "northern dimension" of EU policy, which was voiced in the speech of Finnish Prime Minister P. Lipponen in Rovaniemi in September 1997. As a result of the efforts of the EU Helsinki, a program was adopted for 2000-03 with the aim of federation into the world economy across the northeastern borders through cross-border cooperation and preparation of the Baltic States for admission to the EU.
The armed forces (called the Finnish Defense Forces - OSF) consist of ground forces, Air Force and Navy. The Supreme Commander is the President; direct leadership is carried out by the commander of the OSF through the General Staff (GSh). Recruitment is carried out on the basis of the law on military service. Males who have reached the age of 17 are called. The annual draft contingent is 31 thousand people, of which 500 are women, 35 thousand pass military training every year. Valid military service 6-12 months
Military spending (2000) - 9.8 billion fin. marks, or 1.7% of GDP. The total number of the Armed Forces is 32 thousand people, trained mobilization reserves - 485 thousand people.
OSF participate in peacekeeping operations, especially the Brigade of Constant Combat Readiness (Bjørneborgskaya), stationed in the city of Säkülä.
Finland has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR when the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR recognized its independence on December 18 (31), 1917). Finland recognized Russian Federation as the successor of the USSR on December 30, 1991, in January 1992, the Treaty on the Basics of Relations was concluded, the validity of which was automatically extended in 2001 until 2007. Today, more than 80 interstate and intergovernmental documents are in force between the Russian Federation and Finland.
President of the Russian Federation B. Yeltsin was in Finland on an official visit in 1992, Presidents M. Ahtisaari and T. Halonen - in Moscow in May 1994 and June 2000, respectively. In September 2001 took place official visit in Helsinki, President V.V. Putin, a symbolic event, a sign of final reconciliation between the countries was the laying of a wreath by the president at the grave of Marshal G. Mannerheim.
The heads of government of Finland and the Russian Federation meet at least 2 times a year. Regular contacts are maintained between the heads of ministries and departments. Inter-parliamentary ties are active. A significant role is played by cooperation in neighboring regions. The cultural ties along the line of the Finno-Ugric peoples are very diverse.
Economy of Finland
Finland entered the 21st century, occupying positions at the beginning of the second ten of the most developed and prosperous countries in the world (GDP - 140 billion euros, 25 thousand euros per capita). GDP growth in 2002 was 1.6% (on average since the end of the 1990s, 1.7%). Skillful use of national resources and the advantages of the international division of labor lie at the basis of high indicators of socio-economic development. In addition, development in the 1990s took place under favorable foreign trade conditions, it was possible to continue the formation of a dynamic diversified economy.
Not so long ago in Finland they were annoyed at the narrowness of the base domestic industry, the forest industry accounted for a significant share of GDP, and the country's economy fluctuated depending on its conjuncture. Now the share of the timber industry in proportional terms has significantly decreased, along with it, the electrical industry has begun to gain strength, the core of which is the Nokia concern, the world leader in the production of mobile phones. Almost 1/2 of GDP growth in the 1990s. made by Nokia. The main driver of growth was the high demand for cell phones. In 2002, they were sold 30% more than in 2001. New models with a color screen and a camera are especially popular.
A breakthrough in development high technology and informatization of society, the country has managed to accomplish on the basis of the Finnish identity, R&D and increase technical education especially among students. In terms of the number of mobile phones and Internet connections, the country is among the leading group of advanced powers. The orientation towards foreign markets has increased, where the country is a major supplier of paper, pulp, engineering products - special ships, machines and equipment for the woodworking and pulp and paper industries. According to the annual examination of the World Economic Forum (WEF), F. in 2002 ranked 2nd in the world in terms of competitiveness.
The small size of the domestic market and the limited national resources determined the choice of the country's economic development - specialization in the production of a limited range of goods and services for the foreign market. Although the importance of Finland in the world economy is small: 0.5% of total GDP, 0.4% of industrial production and 0.8% of exports, it retains significant positions in the production and export of certain types of industrial products, primarily the traditional timber and paper sector (6th place - for the production and 2nd - for the export of paper and cardboard), as well as telecommunications equipment, cruise ships, etc. The vast majority of industrial products produce approx. 10-15% of industrial enterprises (with the number of employees from 100 people or more), on which St. 50% of all industrial personnel.
Structural adjustment continues, which ensures economic growth and changes the economic face of the country. If in the 1950s the share of agriculture and forestry accounted for more than 25% of GDP, then in the 1990s. only ok. 5%. Now the service sector has become dominant - more than 60% of GDP, while the share of industry has fallen to 30%. 7.1% is employed in agriculture and forestry (2002, in 1974 - 16.2%, in 1950 - 45.8%), in industry - 27.5% (27.5 and 20.8%), in the services - 65.5% (55 and 31.8%).
In the structure of industry (in terms of value added) compared to the beginning. 1950s there have also been significant changes: the share of mechanical engineering increased from 25 to 35%, chemistry - from 7 to 10%, metallurgy - from 3 to 5%, energy - from 4 to 9%. The manufacturing industries produce a wide range of machinery and industrial equipment, especially for the pulp and paper industry (6-7% of production and 10% of exports worldwide). A sector specializing in the production of material handling equipment, machines for Agriculture and timber industry, road and construction works. A prominent place is occupied by the electrical industry for the production of power equipment (generators, transformers, electric motors, etc.) and the manufacture of cables. In shipbuilding there was further specialization in the production of platforms with drilling rigs for offshore oil production, ferries and tugboats.
The timber and paper industry practically remained at the level of 20%, but within it the share of woodworking decreased from 10 to 5%, while the share of the pulp and paper industry increased from 10 to 15%. The structure of production has expanded, including woodworking, pulp and paper industry and wood chemistry. The country, with less than 1% of the world's forest reserves, is in the forefront in the production and export of timber products. These industrial sectors account for more than 1/4 of the value of GDP and approx. 1/2 of the export value. At the same time, the importance of some domestic industries has declined, in particular the food industry (from 11 to 8%), light industry (from 17 to 2%), and especially mining (from 3 to 1%), although it has significant mineral resources.
The national economy is increasingly oriented towards the production of high-quality specialized products based on the intensive use of innovative developments, relegating to the background the importance of natural resource factors of its international specialization. Outokumpu is the world leader in copper and nickel processing technologies, Kone in the elevator industry, Nokia in the mobile phone and telecommunications sector, Stura_Enso and UPM in the timber industry.
In the 1990s the share of the public sector in the industry has decreased to 12-15%, its most significant role is in the mining, metallurgical, chemical industry, oil refining, mechanical engineering. The state owns 1/3 of the land area and 1/5 of the forests. In general, the state accounts for 21% of goods and services in GDP (2002), but the main levers of its policy are taxes and the budget. The high level of taxation (tax revenues of 46.5% of GDP) testifies to the large redistributive role of the state, as in Scandinavian neighbors. The level of public debt is significant (46% of GDP), the inflation rate is 2.6%.
Despite favorable economic indicators, a high standard of living (an increase in the income of individual households per year by 3.8% in current prices, or 2.1% in constant prices), a high unemployment rate remains (about 10%). Experts attribute the rise in unemployment and the growth in employment to the growth in the number of labor resources. Solidarity income policy providing the same increase wages for all sectors, despite the difference in labor productivity, hinders the reduction of unemployment. Representatives of the business community believe that the employment situation will improve only as a result of labor market reform. However, the leading political forces do not intend to change the current state of affairs.
Certain problems are created by limited energy resources and rising prices for mineral fuels. The problem of their provision can be solved through imports, mainly crude oil and natural gas(since 1974 from the USSR via pipeline) from the Russian Federation. A fundamental decision was made to build the fifth block of the Olkiluoto NPP, which will begin operating within 5 years.
The main feature of Finnish agriculture - the connection with forestry - remains. The main direction - animal husbandry - mainly dairy, gives 70% of the cost of its products. 8% of the territory is used - 2.7 million hectares. Despite the processes of ruin of small farms and the concentration of large farms, small farms still dominate in their structure (less than 10 hectares of arable land, 3/4 of the allotment is occupied by forest), they account for 70% of farms, approx. 40% arable land.
Most of the passenger and freight traffic with other countries is carried out by sea (the main seaports are Helsinki, Turku and Kotka). Railway length approx. 7.8 thousand km, they account for 5% of passenger and 1/3 of freight traffic. Road length approx. 77.8 thousand km. An important role is played by inland waterways (6.7 thousand km), a system of canals, incl. Saimaa Canal, part of which passes through the territory of the Russian Federation. Thanks to icebreakers, maritime navigation is provided practically all year round.
The inflow of foreign direct investment into Finland accelerated after the lifting of restrictions on foreign ownership in 1993. The country remains a net exporter of capital: the accumulated value of direct investments (DI) abroad is almost 2 times higher than foreign ones in Finland (31.5 billion dollars and 18.2 billion dollars, respectively). The industry accounts for approx. 70% of FIs of Finnish companies abroad.
The role of foreign trade is great, its annual growth rate is 12.9% (since the end of the 1990s). The share of exports in GDP increased especially from 19.2% in 1990 to 34.3% in 2002, which is associated with accession to the EU. Its markets account for approx. 60% of all external trade. Exports to the EU countries amounted to 54%, to the USA - 9%, to the Russian Federation - 6.6%. If the total volume of exports in 2002 decreased by 2%, then to the Russian Federation it increased by 12%. From the point of view of Finnish business, the Russian Federation is interesting as a market for goods and services, mainly as a supplier of raw materials and energy (approx. 89%). Mutual trade turnover is at the level of 7 billion US dollars. The Finns supply the Russian Federation with products of the pulp and paper industry, foodstuffs, furniture, consumer goods, equipment and vehicles, construction works. An important factor is the proximity of the Russian market and the tradition of economic interaction, especially with the northwestern regions.
Science and culture in Finland
As early as 1968, a unified 9-year (basic) school was introduced. Complete secondary education is provided by the senior classes of the lyceum, which are called gymnasiums. Higher education is considered one of the most developed in Europe. There are 20 universities offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. There is St. 30 institutes where in 2-4 years you can get professional education and relevant qualifications. For the education of each student, the state annually allocates approx. 7.5 thousand euros.
Finland leads in the field of interaction between university and industrial research, as well as in the proportion of the population pursuing higher education. Scientific research largely concentrated in the areas of economic specialization of the country, especially in the research departments of industrial firms. In 2002, the state allocated 4.5% of the budget for R&D, or 3.2% of GDP, which is a very high figure in the world. Approx. 15 thousand scientific and engineering workers (less than 1% of the economically active population). Basics public policy in the field of science is developed by the Scientific Council together with the Academy of Finland, which act as advisory bodies to the government.
Science and culture, especially art, since the 19th century. were in close contact with the largest European schools and leading areas. This trend has intensified in recent times, although the traditional features and deep folk roots (the epic and national motifs of the Kalevala) are preserved to this day. In addition, Finnish culture was enriched by a bilingual tradition, connections with its Slavic neighbors. Among modern figures, the names of V. Linn, V. Meri, H. Salam, Tito T. Muka, K. Kilman, A. Kleve K. Andersson, K. Donner (writers), J. Sievenen, E. Tirronen, K. Kaivanto (artists), K. Tapper, L. Pullinen (sculptors), M. Talvela (singer). Especially many bright talents were given to the world by the country in the field of design and architecture (A. Aalto, V. Aaltonen, Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen). Every year (since 1951) music Festival Sibelius Week, the Savonlinna Opera Festival, prestigious competitions and various mass song festivals.
Finland or Finnish Republic is our northern neighbour. It borders on Russia in the northwest, the length of the Russian-Finnish border is 1265 km.
The official languages in Finland are Swedish and Finnish. The capital of Finland is the city of Helsinki.
The territory of the state is 338,400 square km, which is about 50 times smaller than the area of Russia.
The Finnish population is about 5.5 million people, which is more than 25 times less than in Russia.
This country ranks 64th in the world in terms of area and 113th in the world in terms of population.
The average life expectancy in Finland is 79 years, and in Russia 66 years.
The climate in Finland is temperate, it is softened by sea air with Atlantic Ocean. The average air temperature is from -7-14 C in winter to +14+17 C in summer.
Finland is Russia's neighbor Country of swamps and lakes
Finland - Suomi - translated means - the country of swamps and lakes. The whooper swan is the symbol of this country. There are also moose, reindeer, brown bears, wolves. Finland is one of the countries with the cleanest environmental conditions.
Finland is a northern country. 25% of its territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle, there is even a polar night lasting up to 2 months.
What is Finland famous for?
This is probably why the northern region of Finland - Lapland is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus.
What, besides Santa Claus, is this small country famous for?
Finland in 2010 ranked first in the list of the best countries in the world, in 2012. it is recognized as the most stable country in the world and the best country for motherhood, in 2014. she also took 4th place in the ranking of the rule of law.
Finland ranks first in the world in paper production. The steel industry is very developed in Finland. As well as the high-tech sector: the production of Nokia equipment, Internet services.
Approximately 8% of the territory of the whole country is occupied by agricultural land. Farmers are engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Winter sports are developed in Finland: skiing, mountain skiing, snowboarding and hockey. At the 2014 Olympics, the athletes of this small country placed 18th in the unofficial medal standings and won 5 medals: 1 gold (in the men's team ski sprint), 3 silver (2 in cross-country skiing and 1 in slopesail) and 1 bronze (in ice hockey). ).
Most people associate Finland with saunas and Santa Claus. Almost every Finnish citizen has a sauna at home. This is a national tradition, the same as reindeer breeding, the use of natural fur and leather. In Finland, there is an official residence of Santa Claus, who receives letters from all over the world. Finland is rich in forests, mountains and lakes. At the same time, you need to be prepared for a humid and cold climate, because this is a northern country. Next, we suggest reading more interesting and amazing facts about Finland.
1. The basis of Finnish life is sport and food.
2. The Finns use only the "buffet" at all solemn events.
3. Most Finns are surprised when they are asked about the buffet.
4. Finns don't like Switzerland.
5. Russia is also in the top three countries that Finns don't like.
6. Finns can drink more than ten cups of coffee during the day.
7. The working day in Finland mainly lasts until 16.00.
8. Cold cuts, sausages, sausages and pasta are the favorite dishes of Finns.
9. Finns love to cook soups based on sausages, carrots, potatoes and onions.
10. Finns cook only one soup based on sausages.
11. Finns cook fish soup based on milk.
12. By the color of the milk package, the Finns determine its fat content.
13. A German supermarket is considered the cheapest store in Finland.
14. In a cheap store, you can find frequent discounts on products that are coming to an end.
15. Separately from all products in Finland, high-quality, but expensive alcohol is sold.
16. Finns know how to make the most delicious ice cream in the world.
17. Finns do not spare money for sweets and therefore make large portions of ice cream.
18. In Finland, you can buy a small and salty watermelon.
19. When producing fish cakes, Finns always indicate the percentage of fish meat.
20. Finnish stores sell Soviet fish in tomato sauce without tails and eyes.
21. In Finland, you can buy condensed milk, sprats and squash caviar, well known to us since childhood.
22. Finns eat jam with meat or cereals.
23. Finns eat bread only with butter.
24. Finns don't know what to do with condensed milk.
25. Even small children in Finland love fast food.
26. The Finns make their little children wear diapers around the clock.
27. Local gas stations are a favorite place for entertainment for older Finnish children.
28. Finns very rarely use mayonnaise when cooking.
29. Children are allowed to eat enough of whatever they like.
30. When a child has a cold in the throat, Finnish parents wait until everything passes by itself.
31. Buran is a universal pill that Finns use to treat minor illnesses.
32. A mixture of samba and aerobics is a favorite form of fitness among Finns.
33. Finns of all ages and genders love to spend their free time in fitness clubs.
34. Nordic walking with sticks is a favorite sport for Finns.
35. In Finnish clubs, it is impossible to find such a type of relaxation as yoga.
36. Sauna, church and cemetery are the main places to visit at Christmas.
37. The Finnish church has a simple design with a small number of icons.
38. A woman can be a priest in a Finnish church.
39. Rice porridge, baked pork leg, vinaigrette, jelly and casserole are the main Christmas dishes.
40. Wine and beer are Finns' favorite drinks.
41. Finnish children love to drink lemonade.
42. Every Finnish house has a sauna.
43. Finding inner peace is the meaning of Finnish Christmas.
44. Finns prepare for Christmas in a special way.
45. At Christmas, Finns give home accessories.
46. On New Year's Eve, tin horseshoes are set on fire for good luck.
47. Beer and pizza are the main New Year's dishes.
48. Finns are very fond of using various fireworks and firecrackers on New Year's Eve.
51. Ski holidays start at the end of February in every Finnish school.
52. Finns love to spend their winter holidays skiing.
53. The main meaning of Finnish life is constant competition.
54. From an early age, Finnish children are brought up in a constant spirit of competition and victory.
55. Finns are always busy with something and just don't go for a walk.
56. Finns like to actively spend their free time.
57. "Healthy lifestyle" is a compulsory subject in every Finnish school.
58. Pupils have the opportunity to try all musical instruments in music lessons.
59. Also in Finnish schools they study the basics of world religions.
60. Parents take the early sexual development of their children lightly.
61. At the age of eighteen, every Finnish teenager receives his own apartment for rent from the state.
62. A Finnish child at the age of 15 can have his own vehicle.
63. Teenagers love to come on a date on a tractor.
64. Every Finnish family has at least two cars.
65. Finns mostly choose German-made cars.
66. Finnish families are characterized by the same type of kitchen utensils, which are bought in only two stores.
67. Finns love to give something from dishes or home accessories for the holidays.
68. Sports or household items are the best gifts for Finns.
69. Even wealthy Finns can buy second-hand stuff.
70. Finns have a lot of fun talking about energy.
71. Finns can even wear things with holes.
72. Finnish brands are the favorite things of the locals.
73. Tracksuits are the favorite type of clothing for Finns.
74. Finns are characterized by reliability, practicality and convenience in everything.
75. It is difficult to find beautiful and sexy clothes for women in Finnish stores.
76. Today, Finns have become more respectful of other world cultures.
77. Utilities are the most expensive in Finland.
78. Even wealthy Finns save water.
79. Finns wash very quickly to save water.
80. Finns are very economical people.
81. They are used to protecting both their own and other people's property.
82. Most Finnish women choose African men.
83. On the streets of Finland you can meet Russians, Somalis and Turks.
84. They compare the Russian alphabet with the Japanese alphabet, which is very difficult for them.
85. Finns are very sociable people.
86. Finns are very fond of talking a lot.
87. Finns can tell a stranger everything about their family and their lives.
88. About family, about sports, about work - the main topics of conversation in Finland.
89. Finns are indifferent to art.
90. They do not like silence, so they always turn on the TV or radio in the house.
91. Finns don't like to drive at intersections.
92. Chocolate, strawberries and cucumbers are the favorite foods of Finns.
93. Finns support the local hockey and football team.
94. Moose, wolves and birds are the main actors in television news.
95. All films and programs on local Finnish television are in their original language only.
96. In Finland, a special kind of red cows are bred.
97. Finnish and Swedish are official languages Finland.
99. Mobile phone throwing competitions are held in Finland.
100. Education is free for everyone in Finland.
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Country Description
Finland is the northernmost country in Europe. At least a third of this country is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Tourists are attracted by such interesting natural phenomena as polar day and polar night. Especially for tourists, national parks are created, most of which are created in Lapland. The culture of versatile active winter recreation in Finland is extremely high. In addition to the well-equipped ski and ski slopes, you can ride a reindeer or dog sled here. Winter horseback riding and ice rallying have become fashionable. One-day outings on motorized sledges are very popular. As a rule, routes are laid through the most picturesque places; during trips, halts in nature or lunch in the Sami tent are organized. And of course, one of the pleasures is visiting the Finnish sauna. Its invigorating spirit is especially pleasant after the completion of a ski or other walk on fresh air. Finnish bath- a mandatory attribute of Finnish resorts, both large and small. In addition, many hotels have their own water parks with "tropical" pools. Swimming in such a pool will give your vacation in these harsh latitudes a unique charm.
Geography
Finland is a country located in the north of Europe, with total area 338 thousand sq. km. The northern part is located beyond the Arctic Circle. In the west, Finland borders on Sweden, in the north - on Norway, in the east - on Russia. The southern coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Finland. More than 2/3 of the country's area is covered with forests. In the west and south, Finland is washed by the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, respectively, and the coast is so indented with bays that the length of the coastline reaches 4600 km.
Time
1 hour behind Moscow.
Climate
In Finland, there are four seasons that differ significantly from each other. Summer lasting approx. 3 months, from June to August. The highest temperature in summer is approx. 25-30 degrees of heat, and average temperature OK. 18 degrees. In June - July there can be a lot of mosquitoes, but at present there are a large number of ointments and aerosols that reliably protect against these annoying insects. Magnificent in its beauty, the golden autumn of Ruska-ajka attracts numerous tourists to Finland. Snow usually falls in December and is most abundant in March. In the Central and Northern Finland at this time good opportunities for lovers winter views sports. In the middle of summer in Lapland, tourists are interested in the polar day, when the sun does not set, and, accordingly, in winter - the polar night.
Language
Officially, Finland is bilingual: 92.9% call Finnish their native language, 5.8% - Swedish. About 1700 people in Lapland speak the Sami language. Since Finnish is the native language of only 5 million people in the world, many Finns speak English, German or other European languages.
Religion
Christianity entered Finland about 1100 years ago at about the same time from the west and east, resulting in the official status of both - Evangelical Lutheran (86% of the population) and Orthodox (1%) - religions.
Population
At present, the population of Finland is slightly more than 5 million. There are many language groups in Finland: Finns, Swedes living in Finland (coastal territories, Aland Islands), Sami (Lapland) Romans (Gypsies).
Electricity
The usual mains voltage in Finland is 220 V. European standard sockets are used.
Emergency Phones
ambulance - 112
fire brigade - 112
police - 112 or 100-22
address reference service (telephones, addresses) - 118
Connection
Direct communication with any country in the world is possible from any pay phone, which are located almost everywhere. You can call either with coins or with phone cards, which are sold at newsstands ("R-kioski"), in shops and at the post office. You can call abroad through various telephone companies by dialing 00, 990, 994, or 999 followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. When calling to Finland 8 - beep - 10 - 358 - area code (without the first digit, usually 0) and the number of the called subscriber.
GPRS-roaming is available from the main Russian operators. The number of Wi-Fi access points is gradually growing. Regular access can be obtained in numerous Internet cafes.
Currency exchange
Currency - euro. Banks work Mon.-Fri. from 9.30 to 16.30, at airports from 6.30 to 23.00, in the port of Helsinki-Katajanokka from 9.00 to 11.30, from 15.45 to 18.00, in the port of Turku from 8.00 to 11.30, from 19.30 to 21.30, exchange offices at the central station in Helsinki are open daily from 8.00 to 21.00.
Visa
Citizens of Russia and CIS countries require a visa to visit Finland. Finland is a member of the Schengen Agreement. On the territory of Russia, a visa can be obtained at the consular section of the Finnish Embassy in Moscow, at the Consulate General in St. Petersburg, as well as at the consulates of Murmansk and Petrozavodsk.
Customs regulations
A passenger has the right to bring into Finland without paying duties and taxes: 1 liter of spirits (more than 22%) or 2 liters of aperitifs (not more than 22%) or sparkling wines and 2 liters of weak wines and 15 liters of beer; 200 cigarettes or 100 small cigars (3 g each) or 50 cigars or 250 g of pipe and cigarette tobacco; 50 g of perfume and 250 g of eau de toilette; 100 g of tea or 40 g of tea extract or essence, 500 g of coffee or 200 g of coffee extract or essence.
Holidays and non-working days
January 1 - New Year; January 6 - Epiphany; March 28 - Good Friday; March 30-31 - Easter; May 1 - May Day; May 8 - Ascension Day; May 18 - Trinity; June 20-21 - Midsummer Day; November 1 - All Saints Day; December 6 - Independence Day; December 24-25 - Christmas; December 26 - Day of giving.
As soon as summer comes, Finns go to nature. And since there is little time for the summer, the bright summer nights are dedicated to the holidays. More than 1,500 different events are organized annually, mainly from June to August. The festival repertoire ranges from chamber music in the village of Kuhmo to the film festival in SodankylK, from jazz festivities in Pori, Tornio or Kainuu to music and dance festivals in Kuopio. The culmination of all celebrations is the Opera Festival in Savonlinna. At the end of summer, festivals are held only in Turku, Tampere and Helsinki. At the end of August, the program ends with a week-long festival in Helsinki. So, the summer program, officially starting on the eve of the first of May with the Vappu holiday in honor of students and students receiving matriculation certificates, ends with a festive week in Helsinki, and the Finns return to everyday affairs.
Transport
The state railways of Finland are concentrated in the southern part of the country. Their total length is 5900 km, and only 1600 km are electrified. Although the highway system was expanded and the private car fleet grew strongly in the 1960s and 1970s, traffic in Finland is still low compared to other Scandinavian countries. Bus service is maintained in summer up to the extreme northern regions. The length of motor roads reaches 80 thousand km. A network of navigable waterways with a length of 6.1 thousand km, including channels between numerous lakes, is of exceptional importance for passenger and freight traffic. In winter, navigation through the canals is carried out with the help of icebreakers.
Tips
In hotels, restaurants and bars tips are already included in the bill.
The shops
In connection with the onset of the high tourist season, shops in Finland are again switching to long time work. Usually shops in this country are open on Sundays only in summer. The rest of the time, their hours of operation are as follows: from 9.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 14.00 on Saturdays. Shopping centers are open from 9.00 to 21.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 18.00 on Saturdays. Now, in November and December, shops in Finland are also open on Sundays (including December 30), mostly from 12.00 to 21.00. On December 31, it will be possible to make purchases from 07.00 to 18.00. Shops are usually closed on January 1st.
National cuisine
Breakfast in Finland is early - at 7 o'clock in the morning. Breakfast is usually light: some people prefer porridge or muesli in milk, but mostly they limit themselves to a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of milk with sandwiches. At 11-12 o'clock there is a lunch break. In small towns, people go home to dine, and in the capital - to a restaurant or cafe. For lunch like 
As a rule, they eat one dish - either the "first" or the "second". Most often, it is a thick soup or potatoes with meat. At dinner they eat bread and butter and drink milk. At 14 o'clock they drink tea. The working day ends at 16-17, and the Finns have dinner at 17-18. Dinner is similar to lunch, just the opposite - if there was a liquid dish for lunch, then in the evening they cook, for example, a casserole. And if during the day they ate steaks with potatoes, then soup is served for dinner.
Beer is one of the most popular drinks in Finland. Strong beer is available for sale only in the shops of the alcohol monopoly "Alko". Kotikalja, a homemade beer brewed with water, maltose, sugar and yeast, containing a small amount of alcohol, is the main drink on every rural table. For a long time The most popular in Finland is wheat vodka Koskenkorva Viina (38%) and Koskenkorva Vodka (60%) produced according to folk recipes. Liqueurs are made from natural fruit and berry tinctures. A specific Finnish product is liqueurs with a strong aroma of northern wild berries: "Lakkalikoori" (cloudberry), "Puolukkalikoori" (lingonberry), "Karpalolikoori" (cranberry), "Mesimarijalikoori" (arctic blueberry). Champagne: Finns make it by fermenting yellow currants and gooseberries. Finland does not produce its own wines, so wines have gained popularity here only in the last few years.
Attractions and resorts
Helsinki- the capital of Finland, a city surrounded by the sea and islands, a city where nature and culture are in close contact. One fourth of Helsinki is parks. Central Park runs through the entire city. The noise of departing ships and the aroma of the sea give Helsinki a special mood. Many sights of Helsinki, the architecture of the city, in which both eastern and western influences can be traced, are revealed to the guests of the capital during walking tours. The architectural and historical center of the city - Senate Square with the majestic buildings of the Cathedral, the University, the Palace of the State Council - carries the spirit of Russian architecture and is crowned with a monument to Alexander II in the center of the square. During the summer, the area is used for numerous events. Literally 100 meters away, on the seashore, is the Market Square - the brightest and liveliest place in Helsinki. Here you can buy everything from fruits and fish to a variety of Finnish crafts. From the Market Square begins the Esplanade Park with street lighting and many boutiques - the center of life in summer Helsinki. The excursion from the city center can be continued along the park area of the Töölönlahti bay, a summer oasis popular among the townspeople. The Finlandia Palace (concert and congress complex) and the Finnish National Opera are located here. Of the sea attractions of Helsinki, it will be interesting to see the Suomenlinna island fortress, which is over 250 years old, and the open-air museum on the island of Seurasaari. 
Rovaniemi- the birthplace of Santa Claus, a city located right on the Arctic Circle - deservedly considered one of the best winter sports centers in Finland. The city of Rovaniemi with a population of 35,000 inhabitants is the capital of Lapland. If you are interested in the culture and life of this northern region, be sure to come here, and you will not regret it: a lot of exciting activities and all kinds of entertainment await tourists who come to Rovaniemi. The most interesting attraction of the region is "Santa Park" - a themed Christmas Entertainment Center. If you have children, then give them a fabulous meeting with Santa Claus, and perhaps you yourself want to feel like a child for a moment and get into a real fairy tale. Rovaniemi is the only place in the world where after a walk you will be given a real "right" to drive, drive a reindeer sled. If you get tired of skiing and snow safari, you can spend a day under the glass dome of the Arktikum Museum and see the exhibitions organized by the Arctic Science Center and the Regional Museum of Lapland, or visit the Arctic Zoo in Ranua (only an hour drive from Rovaniemi). ). Another attraction of Rovaniemi is the Arctic Circle sign at the northern entrance to the city, indicating the exact geographical latitude of this imaginary line.
Turku- the oldest city in Finland, the first mention of it dates back to 1229. During the Swedish rule, Turku was the capital of Finland. The area of the city is 246 sq. km, population 160 thousand people. Turku is the capital of the province of Western Finland and the center of the country's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The bishop of Turku is also the archbishop of the whole country. Turku is a vibrant university city with a rich cultural tradition. Concerts and exhibitions are held here all year round. The market square and its surroundings are the heart of the city. There are large department stores and many small shops where tourists can buy souvenirs and gifts. The Maritime Center "Forum Marinum" invites all those interested to acquire personal experience and information on shipping and its history. The Cathedral in Turku is considered the national sanctuary of the country. This is one of the most valuable architectural monuments of the Middle Ages. In the Aboa Vetus Museum, with the help of multimedia technology, you can get acquainted with the everyday life of people who lived in this place several centuries ago.
Ylläs located in Western Lapland, close to the border with Sweden. The resort of Ylläs consists of two villages: Jakoslompolo on the northern slope of the hill and Ylläsjärvi on the southern slope. This is one of the most magnificent mountain tundras in Finland, on the slopes of which the most modern ski center in the North was created, founded by enthusiasts back in the 50s, when even a road was not laid here! Ylläs has a total of 33 ski slopes, different in width and length. The slopes of Ylläs are so large that, if you wish, you can find solitude here even in high season. Ylläs has the most extensive network of ski slopes perfectly prepared by a special all-terrain vehicle among Finnish ski resorts.
Levy- one of the newest and most comfortable in Finland. In terms of the level and range of services, it is considered the best in the country. It has already become Finland's "resort of the year" three times in the winter season. Levi is located 15 km from the airport of Kittila, 50 km from the Ruka resort. This resort resembles an Alpine one more than other Finnish centers - all services are concentrated in the Lapland village, hotels are located in close proximity to the slopes. Since the construction of this center was planned very carefully, the nature here remained almost untouched. Perhaps that is why, this is one of the favorite resorts not only for foreign tourists, but also for the Finns themselves.
Vuokatti is located in the very center of Finland, among beautiful lakes and forested hills. It is easy to get here by air, train, bus or by car. Three daily flights link Helsinki with Kajaani Airport, from where the resort is only half an hour by car. This resort is characterized by a rare combination of all elements of winter recreation. First of all, this best service, great amount hotel places and numerous entertainments. Vuokatti is a town of 4 hotels and many cottages, restaurants and nightclubs, sports facilities and beaches, shopping centers and a market. Tennis is very popular in Vuokatti, with over 30 courts, including indoor and outdoor courts. Ski slopes and beautiful slopes are well-deservedly popular among tourists.
Kuopio- one of the best places in the country for lovers of flat skiing and ice skating (skating season starts at the end of January). More than 400 km of excellent ski slopes are laid here every year in the surrounding forests and on the ice of a frozen lake, some of which are illuminated in the evening. Conveniently located in the heart of the city on Mount Puyo, the ski stadium offers numerous ski tracks that are ideal for both beginner skiers and experienced skiers who prefer more challenging terrain. There are so many ski slopes in Kuopio that you can go to the ski track right from the door of the hotel. And for skiers on Mount Puyo, there are two slopes: Puyo with a “black” track (length 400 m, elevation difference 93 m) and Antikka with a “blue” one (length 800 m, elevation difference 88 m).
A report about Finland for grade 3 will briefly tell a lot useful information about the land of swamps. A short introduction about Finland will help deepen your knowledge of geography.
Message about Finland
Finland is a republic of Northern Europe. It borders on Sweden, Russia, Norway, Estonia. washed by by the Baltic Sea. It received its modern name from the Swedes, who owned it for many centuries. A third of the territory of the republic is occupied by swamps. There are also many lakes here. The country gained independence relatively recently - in 1917.
The republic is inhabited by Finns, their number is about 5.5 million people. The locals themselves prefer to call themselves Suomi. In addition to the indigenous population, the following ethnic groups live in Finland: the Swedes and the Saami. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. The population also speaks German and English.
Capital of Finland is the half-million city of Helsinki. But, despite this, the country cannot be called densely populated.
Climate of Finland moderate. The coastal parts of the republic are lowlands, and its center is occupied by dense forests, and the north is rocky mountains, wastelands and hills. Most of the territory of Finland is covered with forests, where spruces and pines grow. Squirrels, martens, hares, foxes and ermines live in the forests. Less common are lynxes and bears. There are many fish in the rivers and lakes. It is safe to say that the forest is the main wealth of the country: wood is used to produce furniture and paper, which is valued all over the world. Dairy farming (Finnish butter and cheeses) occupies another place in the economic complex. Also in the republic there are deposits of copper and iron ore, clay, granite, sand.
- The local population loves skiing. Among them are world, European and Olympic champions.
- Finland is the birthplace of Santa Claus. He lives in Lapland.
- The national hobby is fishing.
- Finland is the leader in coffee consumption per person.
- Here is the most pure water in the world that can be drunk without any filtration.
- Almost every house has a sauna. Finns just adore her.
- The country makes the most delicious pizza in the world. It consists exclusively of Finnish products. The main ingredients are rye and smoked venison.
We hope that short message about Finland helped you prepare for the lesson. And you can expand the story about Finland through the comment form below.
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