Fact sheet:

Official Name: Republic of Finland

Capital: Helsinki Population: Approximately 5.5 million

Area: 338,424 square kilometers

Official Languages: Finnish, Swedish Government: Unitary

parliamentary republic Currency: Euro (EUR)

Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET)

GDP (nominal): Approximately $280 billion GDP per capita: Approximately $50,000

Human Development Index (HDI): 0.938 (very high)

Climate: Temperate, characterized by four distinct seasons National Day: Independence Day on December 6th National Symbols: The Lion of Finland (national animal), Lily of the Valley (national flower), European White Birch (national tree)

Famous Landmarks:

• Suomenlinna Fortress, Helsinki

• The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

• Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi

• Sibelius Monument, Helsinki

• Turku Castle, Turku

• Lake Saimaa, largest lake in Finland Cuisine:

• Traditional dishes include Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties), Kalakukko (fish and pork pie), and Poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer).

• Finnish cuisine heavily features fish, potatoes, and rye bread.

• Popular beverages include coffee and milk, and Finland is also known for its love of licorice. Cultural Highlights:

• Sauna culture: Saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture, with approximately 2 million saunas in the country.

• Education system: Finland's education system is renowned globally for its excellence and equity.

• Design: Finland is known for its design heritage, including brands like Marimekko and Iittala.

• Music: Finland has a vibrant music scene, with classical composers like Jean Sibelius and contemporary bands such as Nightwish gaining international acclaim. Notable Achievements:

• World Happiness Report: Finland consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world.

• Gender equality: Finland is known for its high levels of gender equality, with a strong focus on women's rights and representation.

• Environmental sustainability: Finland prioritizes environmental protection and sustainable development, with initiatives such as renewable energy production and conservation efforts.

Fun Fact: Finland has the highest number of heavy metal bands per capita in the world. This factsheet provides a glimpse into Finland's rich culture, natural beauty, and achievements