Finland

Finland is a Nordic Country located in the North of Europe and borders to Sweden, Russia, Norway and Estonia. It covers an area of 338.145 Km² and has a population of 5.327.490 inhabitants, thus being one of the most sparsely populated countries in the EU, after Norway and Iceland. The capital city is Helsinki. Other major cities are Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku, Stockholm, Travemunde, Oulu, Tallinn, Jyvaskyla and Lahti.

Finland is located between the 60th and 70th latitudes, but the Gulf Stream has a warming effect, so that the average annual temperature is 42.8 higher than elsewhere at the same latitude.  Average temperatures are about 62 F in the summer and 21 F in the winter. During winter there is snow, and it remains on the ground for the season.

The basis of Finland’s national economy has for decades lain on the forest and heavy metal industries. the electronics, metal, and forest industries, with the chemical industry also accounting for a considerable share of exports. The most important countries for exports include Germany, Great Britain, the USA, Sweden, and Russia. The official languages are Finish and Swedish, although English is widely spoken. Religions is Evangelical Lutheran and Greek Orthodox.

The Olympic Games were held in Helsinki. Kossu is the most common national clear spirit in Finland. It is exported to many countries all over the world, however, mostly to American and Asian markets. Pori National city park is very famous.

Food in Finland is basically very simple.  Potatoes are very commonly used in the Finnish kitchen.  Other typical foods are roast beef, vegetables, various kinds of soups and pastas, even pizza.  Finnish people also eat many kinds of bread, both dark and light. 

Tango Festival is very famous. Midsummer's Day (Juhannus) has been the most important annual event for Finns since pagan times. Savonlinna Opera Festival celebrates its 90th anniversary in summer 2002.

Another good option is making a short trip to Suomenlina island. Rauma, is the biggest wooden city. Aland is a county composed by more than 6 thousand islands, a perfect microcosms for those who are looking forward to spend some relaxing time camping, enjoy cycling, getting in touch with the culture and being wrapped in the charming atmosphere of the little towns. East of the Main Island is Sund. The Other festivals world known are the folk festival in Kaustinen, chamber music festival in Kuhmo and Ruisrock in Turku.