Finland activity map
Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It shares borders with Sweden, Norway and Russia, and has a coastline along the Baltic Sea. Finland is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and high quality of life. Finland has a population of about 5.5 million people, most of whom speak Finnish, a Finno-Ugric language that is closely related to Estonian and Hungarian. Finland also has a Swedish-speaking minority, as well as several indigenous languages such as Sami and Karelian.
Finland has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Stone Age. Finland was part of the Swedish Empire for centuries, until it became an autonomous grand duchy under the Russian Empire in 1809. Finland declared its independence in 1917, after the Russian Revolution, and fought two wars against the Soviet Union during World War II. Finland maintained a neutral stance during the Cold War, balancing its relations with both the East and the West. Finland joined the European Union in 1995, and adopted the euro as its currency in 2002.
Finland is a modern and innovative country, with a strong emphasis on education, research and technology. Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, and ranks high in various global indices of human development, happiness, democracy and freedom. Finland is also a leader in environmental sustainability, renewable energy and social welfare. Finland has a vibrant culture, with a rich tradition of literature, music, art and design. Finland is famous for its sauna culture, its love of nature and its quirky sense of humor.