Welcome to Finland
By: Emma Tyrone
Oh the Places You'll Go.
Finland is mostly made up of flatland and plains, so you wouldn't want to bring a pair of skis or a snowboard if you decide to come to Finland. Although if you were going to the northern part of Finland, you might want to bring those skis or snowboard. The northern part of Finland has a very large mountain range that stretches across the top of the country. Although there are only 10 mountains in the range, they are each very, very large. Some of the mountains include the Sarektjakka, the Halti, the Aakenustunturi, and the Galdhøpiggen. But, if you don't want to ski, you could always water ski. Finland has over 60'000 lakes, and it won't be hard to find a big one either. So this country is basically a vacation lodge all around.
Finlands Regions
A map of the regions of Finland.
Geographic Finland
A geographical map of Finland.
Cities of Finland
A map showing the major cities of Finland.
Passport Please!
Finland is a limited parliamentary republic, with President Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister Juha Sipila, the Cabinet, the 37th Parliament, the General Courts, Administrative Courts, Prosecutor General Matti Uusimäki, and Chancellor of Justice Jaakko Jonkka. The government has had some problems with a new declaration about women's rights. Fortunately, people are taking it very well and the rights of women and girls, and they should soon have the same rights as men. Like the USA, Finland citizens are allowed to have a passport, the right to run in elections if 18 or older, and the right to vote if 18 or older.
A Euro or Two
Euros are often used in Finland as currency. One euro is equivalent to 1.12 US dollars. Finland often makes cloth, cotton, clothes, and thread. The GDP of the average person in Finland is 40'700 euros. Finland has good job offerings like a nurse or film director. A lot of these jobs require a college degree, but they pay good money.
Serious Education
Finland has many people from many different ethnics and countries. Some of those ethnics and countries are Finnish, Swedish, Russian, Estonian, Romanian, and Norwegian. All children must attend school, whether it be homeschooling, public school, or private school, they must attend school. Children should start school at age 5 or 6. Families take 6.8% of their GDP to pay for their children's education. All men and women are fully educated, and literacy rates for both are 100%. Finland definitely takes education seriously.
Many Cultures, One Country
Finland has a lot of religions and belief systems, including Lutheran and Orthodox. Finland also has a bunch of types of languages, like Finnish Swedish, and Russian. The off-center cross represents the Scandinavian Flag, since most countries developed from Scandinavia. the blue represents blue skies and Finland's many lakes. The white represents the snowy winters. The flag was accepted into the county in 1918.
A Different May Day Eve
Walpurgis Eve is the night before the first day of May Day Festival, which lasts for a week. This holiday is celebrated with a bonfire on a lake or ocean. Foods often eaten during this celebration are Salmiakki (Licorice-Stuffed Chocolate Diamonds), Mustikkapiirakka (A blueberry tart filled with a danish creme), Grillimakkara (Roasted Lamb sausage that is roasted over fire), and Korvapuusti (Essentially Finnish cinnamon rolls).
Sticking to Tradition
A group of girls wearing traditional Finnish dancing clothes.
The Perfect Touch
Almond glazed Korvapuusti.
Forget the Past, Live the Future
People throwing away the burdens of winter into the fire.
Fun Facts!
A Finnish Sauna in Helenski
Saunas actually originated in Finland.
Different Name, Same Country
In Finland, Finnish citizens pronounce the countries name as Suomi.
Town Square in the Capital
The Capital of Finland is Helsinki.