From the beginning of the independency Finland has had advanced democracy, the common right to vote and the persons liability to participate in compulsory education.  These matters gave a strong basis for the development of an efficient and diverse educational system.

Finland has experienced quick changes in economical life from an agricultural to an industrialized country with highly educated workforce. According to the PISA (The Programme for International Student Assessment) evaluation Finnish children receive education which is of top quality. The taxing level is extremely high, but because of it Finland provides comprehensive public health care services,  social security and high-class education regardless of ones economic status.

The main natural resource in Finland are forests. That´s why the forests and nature are cared with fidelity.  Forests cover ¾ of the Finnish surface area and give the raw material to wood industry. Yet more forests grow than is used for industry.  39 national parks offer places to enjoy the wilderness as well as a home for a lot of wildlife.

The close relation to nature has been always important to Finnish people. Naturalistic influence is seen in arts as well as in hobbies.  Everyman´s rights guarantee to people a free access to nature. Skiing, fishing,  hiking and even picking berries in forests are hobbies loved by many Finnish people.

From touristic standpoint, Finland offers experiences to many tastes. Attractions like the Lakeland, Lapland, archipelagos and national parks are giving unique objects for nature lovers. Most Finnish cities supply overwhelming art experiences of all kinds. Many towns and cities have their old, picturesque wooden quarters, as well as interesting modern architecture.

Hospitality and reliability are highly appreciated values in Finland. Well functioning public services make it easy to explore Finland.

Further information:  

www.visitfinland.com

Unesco world heritage sites in Finland
http://www.nba.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/kansainvalinen_toiminta/maailmanperintokohteet_suomessa
⁃    Fortress of Suomenlinna, Helsinki
⁃    Old Rauma
⁃    Petäjävesi Old Church
⁃    Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
⁃    Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki
⁃    High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
⁃    Struve Geodtic Arc


Practical information

Currency:
Euro (€)

Local time:
Eastern European Summer Time (+2 GMT)

“Midnight sun” and weather:
In June sun rises already at 4 o’clock in the morning and sets at 23 o’clock. Average temperatures are usually less than 20°C, but during the daytime temperature can rise beyond 25°C.

Language:
The official languages are Finnish and Swedish but most Finns speak good English.

Telephone:
The country code for Finland is +358. Helsinki city area code is (0)9.

General emergency number:
Tel. 112

Electricity:
230 V (and the type of the plug is for two round holes)

Drinking water:
Tap water is always drinkable and usually even tasty.

Tips:
Tipping is not necessary in Finland. You can thank the staff with a tip if the service was exceptional.