State Independent republic since 1917. Independence Day is celebrated December 6. Member of the European Union since 1995. Åland islands are autonomous.
President Mrs Tarja Halonen
Prime Minister Mr Matti Vanhanen
Capital Helsinki, population 556 000. About one million inhabitants in the greater metro area of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa.
Language Two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. About 6% of the population are Swedish speakers. A minority language, Sami, is spoken in the Sami area of Lapland. English is commonly spoken.
Weather Four distinct seasons. In winter the temperature can drop to -20ºC, while in summer it can go up to +30 ºC. In summer in Lapland the sun doesn't set for 73 nights, while in winter there the sun doesn't rise for 51 days.
Population 5,2 million. One of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe with only 17 inhabitants/km².
Area 338 000 km². The sixth-largest country in Europe in area. About 75% of the area is covered by forest and 10% by water. Finland has 190 000 lakes, 180 000 islands, and the largest archipelago in Europe, Åland, on the southwestern coast.
Location In northern Europe between the 60th and 70th parallels. A quarter of Finland's area lies north of the Arctic circle. Neighboring countries are Norway, Sweden, Russia, and Estonia.
Currency Euro
Religion Two established state religions: the majority belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the minority to the Orthodox Church. Total freedom of religion since 1923.
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