Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. With a population of around 5.5 million people, it is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. Despite its relatively small size, Finland has made a name for itself on the world stage in many ways. From its renowned education system to its groundbreaking technology innovations, natural wonders and unique cultural traditions, Finland offers visitors and residents alike plenty to experience.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the key things that Finland is known for across the globe. Through an in-depth look at Finnish innovations, nature, cultural exports, sports achievements and more, you will gain an understanding of what makes this Scandinavian nation distinctive.
Education and Literacy
One of the foremost things that Finland is known for is its top-rated education system. In worldwide rankings of education, Finland consistently scores at or near the top in terms of overall quality, access and results.
Here are some key facts about Finnish education:
- Consistently ranked #1 or #2 in the world in education.
- Free education for all students up to university level.
- No standardized tests except for college entrance exams.
- Teachers have high status and require advanced degrees.
- Emphasis on creativity, collaboration and real-world skills.
- Short school days with frequent breaks and little to no homework.
- All schools receive equal public funding with extra support for disadvantaged students.
This excellent education system has helped produce a highly literate, innovative population. Finland frequently ranks at the top for adult literacy rates globally. As a result, it has a skilled workforce which contributes to Finland’s economic prosperity and high standard of living.
Literacy Rates
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Finland has a 100% literacy rate across all age groups. This gives Finland among the highest literacy rates in the entire world.
For comparison, the average literacy rate in other developed OECD countries is around 99%. Finland’s commitment to education and reading has allowed it to achieve this exceptionally high level of literacy across its population.
Innovations in Technology
Finland has long been known as one of the world’s most technologically advanced and innovative countries. Here are some notable Finnish innovations that have had global impact:
Mobile Phones
Finnish engineers were pioneers in early mobile phone technology. The first ever GSM phone call was made by Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri in 1991 using a device created by Nokia. Through the 1990s and 2000s, Nokia became the top selling mobile phone brand globally. Though it has declined in recent years, Finland’s history of innovation in communications technology helped spur today’s mobile connectivity revolution.
Linux Operating System
Linus Torvalds, a Helsinki-born computer programmer, created the core Linux operating system while studying at the University of Helsinki in 1991. Linux became the backbone of many servers, mainframes, smartphones and other devices worldwide. As an open source project, Linux demonstrates Finland’s engineering prowess and collaborative technology culture.
SMS Messaging
The SMS (Short Message Service) text messaging system was developed by Finnish engineers in the early 1990s as part of the GSM standard. SMS messaging enabled basic mobile devices to send and receive text communications, paving the way for modern texting. The very first SMS message reading “Merry Christmas” was sent in 1992 on the Vodafone GSM network by Neil Papworth.
Angry Birds Mobile Game
Developed in 2009 by Finnish company Rovio Entertainment, the Angry Birds mobile game franchise became a worldwide phenomenon. Angry Birds demonstrated Finland’s ability to create innovative gaming concepts that capture the public’s imagination. The highly addictive slingshot physics game is one of the most downloaded apps ever.
Sports
Despite its small population, Finland has a strong sporting culture and has produced many champion athletes. Here are some of Finland’s greatest sports accomplishments:
Ice Hockey Prowess
Ice hockey is Finland’s most popular sport and their national team is ranked among the best in the world, having won numerous Olympic medals and World Championship titles. The Finnish Lion has emerged as a fearsome opponent to international hockey powerhouses like Canada, Russia and Sweden. Top Finnish players like Teemu Selänne and Jari Kurri are hockey legends.
Formula One Champions
Finland’s Mika Häkkinen and Kimi Räikkönen have both captured Formula One World Championships over the past two decades, showing Finland can compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. Valtteri Bottas carries on the tradition today as a top Finnish driver in F1. The country has also produced many champion rally drivers over the years.
Distance Running
Finland consistently excels in long distance running, especially in events like the 10,000m and marathon. Legendary Finnish runners Paavo Nurmi and Lasse Virén both dominated the Olympics in the 1920s and 1970s respectively. More recently, runners like Hannes Kolehmainen have continued this tradition with strong showings at the World Championships, Olympics and big city marathons.
Javelin Throwing
No country has dominated javelin throwing like Finland. From Matti Järvinen in the 1930s to Tero Pitkämäki in the 2000s, Finnish athletes have won 15 Olympic gold medals and set numerous world records in the event. Many attribute their success to growing up in rural areas throwing sticks.
Pesäpallo
While not widely known outside Scandinavia, pesäpallo is Finland’s own version of baseball that dates back to the early 1900s. Often called “Finnish baseball”, it is a fast-paced, highly tactical game played on a small, sandy field. Pesäpallo has official league play in Finland with the top Superpesis division attracting dedicated fans.
Cultural Exports
In addition to innovations in technology, Finland has made significant cultural contributions on the world stage in other areas like music, design and literature:
Heavy Metal Music
Finland is the home of many pioneering heavy metal bands that gained global fame. Groups like HIM, Children of Bodom, Nightwish and Stratovarius led the way in the 1990s and 2000s, defining the gothic, symphonic and power metal genres. Festivals like Tuska Open Air draw devoted international fans.
Modern Architecture
The Finnish architectural tradition of sleek, modernist design can be seen in iconic buildings like the Helsinki Central Library Oodi, the Temppeliaukio Church carved from rock and Helsinki Central Railway Station. Top designers like Alvar Aalto and Eero Saarinen have created legendary furniture and structures around the world.
Moomins
These charming, hippopotamus-like characters from the Moomin books by Finnish illustrator Tove Jansson have become beloved children’s literature classics translated into 50+ languages. The adorable Moomin family and friends like Snorkmaiden embody Finland’s whimsical side.
Design Heritage
From textiles to glassware, Finland has an acclaimed design heritage spanning centuries. Finnish design principles emphasise simplicity, functionality and closeness to nature. Brands like Marimekko (bold printed fabrics), Iittala (glassware) and Fiskars (scissors) exemplify timeless Nordic design.
Natural Landscapes
With immense pristine forests, over 180,000 lakes and magical phenomena of the northern sky, Finland’s natural landscapes are simply spectacular. Here are some of the Nordic nation’s standout natural features:
Forests
Over 70% of Finland is forested wilderness filled with pine, spruce and birch trees. These vast forests are home to remarkable Arctic wildlife like wolves, lynx, reindeer and elk. Brown bears can even be spotted in eastern Finland. Hiking, camping and berry picking are Finnish passions.
Lakes
Finland is sometimes called “land of the thousand lakes” – and that’s not an exaggeration. There are around 188,000 lakes dotting the map of Finland, making it one of the most lake-rich regions on Earth. Fishing, canoeing and swimming are hugely popular summer pastimes with locals and visitors alike drawn to the tranquil, island-speckled lakes.
Northern Lights
Situated in the far north within the Aurora Zone, Finland is one of the best places on the planet to witness the magical Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky in shades of green, purple, pink and blue. The Northern Lights are most visible on clear nights in Finnish Lapland from September through March. Seeing this celestial phenomenon is on many travelers’ bucket lists.
Midnight Sun
North of the Arctic Circle, Finland experiences the famous Midnight Sun during the summer months. From around late May to mid July, the sun never fully sets in Lapland allowing for nearly 24 hours of daylight. Observing the horizon glow orange at midnight is an unforgettable sight. It balances the short, dark winter days.
National Parks
Finland has 40 national parks showcasing its pristine natural landscapes. Parks like Lemmenjoki, Urho Kekkonen and Pallas-Yllästunturi feature primeval forests, fells, bogs and tundra habitats perfect for hiking, skiing and wildlife viewing. Even Helsinki has a National Urban Park right in the heart of the capital.
Unique Traditions and Sauna Culture
Finland has some distinctive traditions, holidays and cultural quirks that offer visitors fascinating glimpses into Finnish lifestyle and values.
Wife Carrying Competition
One of Finland’s most bizarre events is the annual Wife Carrying World Championship held in Sonkajärvi. Male competitors race to complete an obstacle course while carrying their “wife” (usually just a female teammate). The quirky contest originated from a 19th century legend about thieving robbers training by carrying sacks of grain.
Naked Sauna Sessions
Finns love their saunas and use them for mental relaxation, socializing and physical health. These wooden steam rooms are nearly ubiquitous, even appearing on ships and inside Parliament House. Traditionally done naked, saunas are segregated by gender. Followed by a refreshing dip in a lake, they exemplify the Finnish appreciation of nature.
Unusual Holidays
From Wife Carrying to World Finger-Pulling Championships (yes, that’s a Finnish sport too), Finland celebrates many unconventional themed holidays. Some quirky ones include National Sleepyhead Day on July 27th, Runeberg Day with jam tarts on February 5th, and December 13th as “Lucia” day, a festival of lights predating Christmas in Scandinavia.
Heavy Metal Knitting Championships
Only in Finland would you find heavy metal music and knitting combined into one competition. During summer rock festivals, participants furiously knit garments on stage while headbanging to metal songs. The annual Heavy Metal Knitting World Championships began in Joensuu during aestival celebrations of the summer solstice.
Birthplace of Santa Claus
According to Finnish legend, Santa Claus (Joulupukki in Finnish) resides in the far northern town of Rovaniemi for much of the year overseeing Christmas preparations. Rovaniemi leverages its “official home of Santa Claus” status to attract tourists who can visit Santa’s workshop year round. SantaPark is located just on the Arctic Circle line.
Cuisine
While not as famous for its food as some European cuisines, Finland has delicacies, ingredients and food traditions all its own.
Foraged Foods
Finland’s pristine forests offer outstanding foraged foods like wild berries, mushrooms and herbs during the summer and autumn months. Locals eagerly await the short season to collect delicacies like cloudberries, lingonberries, chanterelles and porcini mushrooms.
Winter Dishes
The challenging winters shaped classic Finnish comfort dishes relying on preserved ingredients like salted herring, smoked salmon, reindeer meat, preserved and fermented vegetables and rye bread. Fish soups, carriages rolls, Karelian pies and pea soup remain winter staples.
Coffee Obsession
Despite the cold climate, cafés with heated outdoor terraces are popular year-round gathering spots in Finland. Finns are among the world’s biggest coffee drinkers, consuming about 28 lbs of coffee per capita annually, with coffee rituals ingrained in the culture.
Lakkakakku
This dense, rich sweet rye cake flavored with cardamom and studded with raisins is a beloved Finnish dessert. Lakkakakku is typically only eaten during specific holidays like Christmas. It can take days to make this traditional sweet treat properly.
Fresh Local Food
Thanks to the long summer days, Finland takes advantage by growing outstanding fresh produce during the short growing season. Local berries, root vegetables, cabbages and greens make their way into many dishes when harvested. Potato dishes also feature prominently in Finnish cuisine.
Beer Culture
Finns drink more milk than anywhere else but also love their beer. Cool, crisp lagers pair perfectly with Finnish sauna sessions. International brands like Lapin Kulta, Karjala, Olvi and Koff have quenched Finnish thirst for generations, although small breweries are now expanding the beer landscape.
Government and Society
While often considered part of Scandinavia, Finland’s government and society have some significant differences from its neighbors. Here are key elements that shape Finnish politics, values and way of life:
High Taxes
While offering nearly universal healthcare and education access, the Finnish government also has some of the highest tax rates in the world to support this expansive social system. Most citizens readily accept higher taxes in exchange for these strong public services. Income, property, purchases and inheritance are all heavily taxed.
Gender Equality
Finland frequently ranks at the top globally for gender equality. Women have opportunities and status on par with men socially and professionally. Generous family leave policies for both parents help enable this equality. Finland was the first country in Europe to grant universal suffrage to women.
Mixed Economy
Finland employs a successful mixed market economy blending free markets with government oversight and social benefits. While it has many global private companies, the government also holds significant stakes in companies like airline Finnair and retains ownership of many public resources like mineral rights.
Strong Unions
With over 70% of workers belonging to labor unions, Finland has one of the highest rates of unionization in the world. Cooperation between unions, major employers and the government ensure favorable workplace conditions and policies for Finnish employees across many industries and sectors.
Secularism
Finns are not an overtly religious people today, although Protestant and Orthodox faiths dominated historically. Only about 28% of Finns consider religion to be an important part of their daily lives. Secularism is strong and church attendance rates are among the lowest worldwide.
Punctuality is Key
Finns place a high value on being punctual and not wasting time. Being late to meetings or events is seen as extremely rude. Trains and buses keeping prompt schedules facilitate this cultural tendency of being on time. Finland’s northern location also leads them to meticulously plan out the short summer season.
Tourism Opportunities
Despite its northerly location, Finland offers many different tourism destinations and activities to attract international visitors. Some top things to do in Finland include:
Helsinki
The vibrant capital and largest city has a harbor-side location filled with fascinating architecture, museums, restaurants, design shops and urban parks. Visitors can explore attractions like the Olympic Stadium, Suomenlinna island fortress and Uspenski Cathedral.
Lapland
In the far north, the magical Lapland region is ideal for winter and summer adventures. Rovaniemi, base of the Santa Claus village, offers reindeer encounters, sledding, skiing and the chance to cross the Arctic Circle. Lapland’s National Parks provide stunning scenery.
Lakeland
Finland’s magnificent network of pristine lakes offer tremendous opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating and enjoying nature. Rent a cottage or sauna right on the shimmering blue waters. The Saimaa lake region is especially popular for watersports.
Archipelago Trail
The Archipelago Trail allows cyclists and hikers to island hop through the southern Finnish archipelago with its thousands of islands and islets dotting the Baltic coastline. Ferries and picturesque bridges connect this on and off-road trail.
Winter Sports
With guaranteed snow cover from November to May, Finland is a winter lover’s dream. World-class facilities make it a prime destination for activities like cross country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding and snowmobiling. The ski resorts of Levi, Ylläs and Ruka offer great runs.
Savonlinna Opera Festival
Each July the small city of Savolinna hosts this iconic outdoor opera festival using the 15th century Olavinlinna Castle as a dramatic backdrop. It honors Finland’s love of the arts and music, especially Jean Sibelius. Attendees can watch world class opera performances from floating stages on the lake.
Surprising Shopping
Helsinki and other cities feature fabulous shopping opportunities, from the Finnish Design District to souvenir shops filled with Scandinavian handicrafts, clothing brands like Marimekko, luxurious furs, handmade knives, artwork and more. Look for deals from leading glassware and ceramics brands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Finland proves itself to be much more than just cold weather, Santa Claus and reindeer. This incredible country has an immense amount to offer visitors and residents. From the extraordinary natural scenery and fascinating cultural traditions to world-renowned design and cutting-edge innovations, Finland’s national essence cannot be summed up in just a few simplistic stereotypes.
Exploring the varied aspects of Finland detailed above provides deeper insights into what makes it such a progressive, successful and unique nation. Whether savoring an authentic Finnish sauna, cheering at a hockey match or camping in the pristine forests, there are so many diverse experiences awaiting in Finland. The hospitable Finns take great pride in their homeland and rightfully so – Suomi truly is “the land of the Midnight Sun”.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finland
Here are the answers to some common questions about Finland to help provide more insights into this exceptional country:
Does Finland have polar bears?
No, Finland does not have a polar bear population. As the southernmost of the Nordic countries, Finland does not extend far enough north into the Arctic where polar bears live. Finland does have a small population of brown bears, though they are quite rare and mainly found in remote eastern forests. More common wildlife includes foxes, lynx, wolverines and moose.
Is Finland a socialist country?
Finland is not truly a socialist country, but rather a capitalist free market economy with considerable social welfare programs. The means of production are primarily privately owned. Finland is considered a Nordic mixed economy with high taxes that support considerable public spending on healthcare, education, infrastructure and services.
Does Finland have free healthcare?
Yes, Finland provides universal healthcare to all citizens at little to no personal cost. The Finnish health system is government-funded through compulsory taxation and provides comprehensive medical coverage to all permanent residents. This includes free doctor visits, hospital treatments, pregnancy care, and more.
Is Finnish similar to English?
Finnish is not at all similar to English. Finnish is part of the Finno-Ugric language family which also includes Estonian and Hungarian. It is completely unrelated to English which is a Germanic language. Finnish has very complex grammar, cases and verb conjugation. Many Finnish words are extremely long compound words. About 6% of Finns speak Swedish as their first language.
Do they eat reindeer in Finland?
Yes, reindeer meat is widely eaten in Finland, especially in Lapland. Reindeer herding by the indigenous Sami people helps supply the meat which is a popular ingredient. Finns use almost every part of the reindeer for food including the heart, liver, tongue and marrow. Reindeer meat appears in stews, soups, salamis and various other dishes.
Is Finland expensive to visit?
Finland is one of the more expensive European countries to visit, but not extremely so. Costs for hotels, dining and transportation can be 20-30% higher than average. However, free sights and nature activities help balance this. There are ways to visit Finland on a budget by cooking, staying in Airbnbs, using public transit and looking for deals on sightseeing.
Why is suicide rate high in Finland?
Despite its high standard of living, Finland’s suicide rate is above average. Long, dark winters are believed to contribute to higher rates of depression and loneliness. Alcoholism and binge drinking are also problems impacting mental health. There is still some stigma around discussing mental health struggles openly in Finland, although public awareness campaigns are helping address this issue.
Are Finland and Scandinavia the same?
Finland is considered part of the Nordic countries, along with Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. However, Finland is technically separate from Scandinavia, which refers specifically to Norway, Sweden and Denmark. As a result of being controlled by Sweden for so long, Finland has some cultural overlap with Scandinavia but also has many distinctly Finnish elements too.
Is Santa Claus from Finland?
In Finnish myth, Santa Claus (Joulupukki in Finnish) is said to live in Korvatunturi, Finland. The northern town of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle promotes itself as the “official” home of Santa’s workshop. While modern Santa traditions fuse elements from Norse and European mythology and folklore, Finland eagerly markets itself as Santa’s traditional dwelling place.
Do Finns speak English?
Yes, a majority of Finns speak English as a second language. Starting in primary school, Finnish children study English for years to become proficient. Out of 100 countries surveyed, Finland had the third highest English language proficiency. Most young urban Finns have strong English skills, which facilitates tourism. Older Finns tend to have poorer English abilities on average.
Do you need a passport for Finland?
Citizens of Nordic countries like Sweden, Denmark and Norway do not need a passport to enter Finland, only national ID cards. All other foreign nationals will require a valid passport for entry into Finland. As a member of the EU, Finland also allows visa-free travel for citizens of other European Union countries. Travelers from outside the EU generally need visas.
Does Finland have good job opportunities?
Finland offers excellent job opportunities overall, with quality careers in fields like technology, healthcare, manufacturing and engineering. Finland has low unemployment rates compared to EU averages. Challenges include high taxes, a lack of entry-level jobs, workplace cultural barriers for foreigners and required fluency in Finnish or Swedish for many positions.