F for four seasons and other facts

Finland is Europe’s most rural country – a land where high technology coexists with unspoilt nature. With 5.3 million inhabitants scattered around a total area of 390,920 km2, average population density is just 17 people per square kilometre. Our official languages are Finnish, Swedish, and in the far north Sámi, spoken by the indigenous Sámi people of Lapland. Most people also speak English quite well.

Finland has been a sovereign parliamentary republic since 1917. The president (currently Mrs Tarja Halonen) is chosen through elections held every six years. Parliamentary elections are held every four years.

Our northerly location means we have four dramatically different seasons, unlike many parts of Europe. Summers are warm, but never too hot, so outdoor activities are very popular, especially around our thousands of lovely lakes. Autumn is a season of delightful natural colours, and our winters are real winters with plenty of ice and snow to enjoy. The welcome spring sunshine melts away the snow and brings a fresh new greenness to the countryside.