Finland

Finland is situated in northwestern Europe on the Baltic Sea. Finland is one of Europe’s most northerly countries. Finland is a land covered with vast green forests and lakes, it is constructed with modern buildings and old, walled castles. Its woodlands, which are its most important natural resource, are often referred to as. In the northern side of Finland the White Nights last for about 10 weeks of the summer. In the interior, Finland’s large tracts of unspoiled wasteland attract hikers from around the world.

As a result of the Swedish occupation during seven centuries (from the 12th century until 1809) some 6% of the population is Swedish-speaking. Finland became an independent state following the Russian revolution in 1917. Since this date Finland has been a republic. It has a one-chamber parliament whose 200 members are elected every four years.

The country has developed a modern, competitive economy, and is a world leader in telecommunications equipment. Main exports include telecoms equipment and engineering products, paper, pulp and lumber, glassware, stainless steel and ceramics.

Its remote northern beauty has inspired many artists, including the composer Jean Sibelius and the designer Alvar Aalto.