Country Facts

Finland map
  • Capital City: Helsinki
  • Currency: Euro = 100 cents
  • International dialling code: +358
  • Official language: Finnish and Swedish
  • Official name: Republic of Finland
  • Population: 5.4 million
  • Religion: Christianity (Evangelical Lutheranism and Eastern Orthodox)
  • Web domain: .fi
  • Historical figures: Elias Lönnrot (1802-1884), compiler of the national epic Kalevala, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) composer, Carl Gustaf Mannerheim (1867-1951) military leader.
  • Food taboos and favourites: Karjalanpaisti: a traditional favourite, meat "stew" with mashed potatoes and lingonberries . Despite the international food scene nowadays, many Finns prefer simple plain food. Don't try to force a Finn to eat your exotic dishes.
  • Biggest holidays and celebrations: Christmas, Midsummer and 1st of May
  • Languages and foreigners: It's rare to find a Finn who knows no English, but many are shy about using their language skills for conversation. After English, many speak Swedish. There are many speakers of Russian and Estonian in Finland too.
  • Key words and national identity: Sisu: perseverance, taking life as it comes and dealing with it. Sauna: an important way of relaxing. Mökki (cottage in Finnish): escape from city life.
  • Landmarks and places of cultural significance: Suomenlinna, an island off Helsinki. Petäjävesi Old Church in central Finland. Porvoo old town on the south coast. Finland's 39 national parks.
  • Sports: Ice hockey, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, motorsports: Formula One and rally, sailing, football, wife carrying, swamp football.
  • Celebrities you should know: Danny (singer), Mika Häkkinen (F1 driver), Aki Kaurismäki (film director), Andy McCoy (Hanoi Rocks singer), Matti Nykänen (ski jumper), Teemu Selänne (ice hockey player)
  • Music genres: Hard rock, soft rock, classical.
  • Learn more: <a class="button" href="https://www.cultureconnector.com" target="_blank">CultureConnector</a>