Interesting Facts About Finland
Finland is a northern European country with a rich history and culture. It’s known for its natural beauty, technological innovation, and unique traditions. If you plan to visit Finland, you should know a few things beforehand to make your trip more enjoyable. Let’s have a closer look at some interesting facts about Finland.
It is interesting that Finlands aims to be carbon neutral by 2035. As per the yearly Happiness Report, it’s also the happiest country in the world. Around 75% of its surface is covered with forests, and has the world’s biggest archipelago.
Forests everywhere
74% of the country is forested. Finland has more forests than any other European country. And let’s not forget Lapland, Europe’s largest lake district and last untamed wilderness.
No small talk
Finns generally aren’t big on small talk, and quiet moments in conversations are considered comfortable. They also tend to mean what they say – if someone asks you to get together for lunch sometime soon, expect to get a text, e-mail, or phone call. The people are known for their modesty and self-deprecating sense of humor.
The Finish Language
The official language of Finland is Finnish, which is a complex language to learn for non-native speakers. Finnish is part of the Uralic language family, of which Hungarian is the closest relation. However, most Finns speak English, especially in the larger cities and tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to learn a few basic Finnish phrases, such as “kiitos” (thank you) and “moi” (hello), to show your respect for the local culture.
Swedish is learned in schools
All Finns learn Swedish at secondary school. While Finnish is not a Scandinavian language, Swedish is an important language in Finland. It holds official language status together with Finnish.
Swedish is spoken mostly on the western and southern coast of the country, while as many as 5% of Finns consider Swedish their native language. And they learn English at school too!
Read also: Things to know about Sweden before you visit
Coffee is a huge thing
You might think Europe’s coffee capital would be Italy or France. But no, the Finns consume more coffee per capita than any other country in Europe and the world. The world! Drinking eight cups of coffee daily would not be considered unusual in Finland.
Lakes, lakes, and more lakes
There are 187,888 lakes in Finland. Finland is known as the land of a thousand lakes. About 57,000 of them have an area larger than 10,000 square meters (110,000 sq ft).
Moomins
Swedish-speaking Finnish illustrator Tove Jansson created the hippo-like creatures known as the Moomins. It starred in nine books, five picture books, and a long-running comic strip, along with many TV appearances.
Saunas everywhere
The sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture and a must-try experience for anyone visiting the country. It’s a place where Finns go to relax, socialize, and enjoy the health benefits of sweating in high temperatures. Ensure to follow the local sauna etiquette, such as sitting on a towel and showering before entering the sauna. There are more saunas than Finns, actually.
Technology
Finland is home to some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Nokia and Rovio (the makers of Angry Birds). The country has a highly advanced telecommunications network and is a world leader in mobile technology. You can expect to see Finland’s latest gadgets and innovations, especially in Helsinki.
In conclusion, Finland is a fascinating and beautiful country with many unique experiences. From the natural beauty of the Northern Lights and Finnish wilderness to the cultural traditions of sauna and design, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By keeping these essential things in mind before visiting Finland, you’ll be better prepared to appreciate and enjoy all this country offers. So pack your bags, learn a few Finnish phrases, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Finland.
