Finland is a beautiful country situated in northern Europe. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and technological advancements. Finland has a lot to offer, and here are ten interesting facts about Finland that you may not know:
Land of a Thousand Lakes
Finland is known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, and for a good reason. The country has over 187,000 lakes, making it the country with the most lakes in the world. This makes Finland an ideal place for fishing, swimming, and water activities.
Sauna culture
Saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture, and it’s estimated that there are over 3 million saunas in the country, which is impressive given that Finland has a population of just over 5 million. The sauna culture is so ingrained in Finnish society that many homes have a sauna, and it is not unusual to have a business meeting or negotiate a deal in a sauna.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, can be seen in Finland’s northernmost regions during the winter months. The natural phenomenon is a result of charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere, and Finland is one of the best places in the world to witness this spectacular display of light.
The happiest country in the world
Finland has consistently been ranked as the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report. This is due to the country’s excellent quality of life, social support, and strong sense of community.
The home of Santa Claus
Finland is also known as the home of Santa Claus, and in the town of Rovaniemi, you can visit Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa, take a ride on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, and even cross the Arctic Circle.*
Midnight Sun
During the summer months, the sun doesn’t set in Finland’s northernmost regions. This phenomenon is known as the Midnight Sun and can be experienced in areas such as Lapland. It’s a surreal experience to see the sun shining brightly at midnight.
Education
Finland’s education system is considered one of the best in the world. The country has a strong emphasis on education, and all education is free, including university education. Finland’s education system is based on equity and equal opportunities, which means that everyone has access to the same education, regardless of their background or income.
The world’s first female president
In 2000, Finland made history by electing Tarja Halonen as its first female president. Halonen served as president for two terms, and during her presidency, she championed human rights and equality.
Unique cuisine
Finnish cuisine is unique and consists of dishes such as reindeer stew, salmon soup, and Karelian pies. Finnish cuisine also has a strong emphasis on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, such as berries, mushrooms, and game.
Heavy metal
Finland is known for its love of heavy metal music. The country has produced many successful metal bands, such as Nightwish, Children of Bodom, and HIM. The annual Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in Helsinki attracts metal fans from all over the world.
In conclusion, Finland is a country full of surprises and fascinating facts. From its numerous lakes and saunas to its stunning natural beauty and unique cuisine, there is something for everyone in Finland. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, an adventure in the great outdoors, or simply a place to relax and unwind, Finland has it all.
