Finland, officially known as the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It shares its borders with Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, and Norway to the north, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including extensive forests, numerous lakes, and the Northern Lights.
Finland is the eighth-largest country in Europe in terms of land area. It is characterized by its flat terrain, with more than 70% of it covered by forests. The country is also home to over 188,000 lakes, earning it the nickname “the land of a thousand lakes”. The northernmost region of Finland, known as Lapland, is a popular destination for its unique Arctic landscapes and phenomena like the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights.
Finland has a population of approximately 5.5 million people, making it one of the least densely populated countries in Europe. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, with the majority of the population speaking Finnish. English is also widely spoken, especially among the younger generation.
Finland is a parliamentary republic, with the President serving as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. It is known for its high level of civil liberties, political rights, and transparency, consistently ranking among the top countries in the world for press freedom and quality of life.
Finland has a highly industrialized, mixed economy with a per capita output similar to that of other western European economies such as France, Germany, Belgium, or the UK. The largest sector of the economy is services, followed by manufacturing and refining. Major industries include electronics (Nokia), metals, machinery, vehicles, forest industry, and chemicals.
Finland has a rich cultural heritage with influences from both the East and West. The country is known for its contributions to music, literature, and design. Finland is also the home of Santa Claus, with the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi attracting tourists from around the world. The Finns are known for their love of sauna, with an estimated 2 million saunas in the country.
