Finland : Country overview

Geography

• Full country name: Republic of Finland.
• Population: 5.3 million (Finnfacts).
• Border countries: Sweden, Norway and Russia.
• Climate: The Finnish climate is defined by cold winters and relatively warm summers. In summer, temperatures may rise above 20°C, with the south and east seeing the highest temperatures. By contrast, in winter, temperatures of -20°C are not uncommon.
• Terrain: Lakes and low hills are interspersed with low, flat, rolling plains. 10% of the country is covered by water and 69% by forest.
• Natural hazards: None, except problems associated with heavy snowfall.

Living in Finland

• Cost of living: About the same as the UK. The Finnish standard of living is one of the highest in the world.
• Internet domain: .fi
• Health: The level of healthcare in Finland is high. EU citizens who are temporarily in Finland should get a European Health Insurance Card to be able to access the healthcare system. Those who are residing permanently in Finland, or who are employees in a job lasting more than four months, are within the scope of health insurance and are issued with a Kela card.This reimburses part of the cost of medication, private doctor’s fees and cost of tests and treatments. 
• Laws and customs: The use, possession or dealing of drugs is against the law and carries heavy penalties. Visit the Finnish Police website for information.

Economy and finance

• Currency: Euro
• Type of economy: Capitalist, Western
• Health of economy: Finland has a highly industrialised, largely free-market economy with per capita output that roughly equals the individual outputs of the Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden.
• Unemployment rate: 8.5%
• Main exports: paper and pulp, electronics, metal products, machinery and chemicals.

Culture

• People: The majority of the population are Finnish (just over 93%), while almost 6% are Swedish.
• Major religion: Lutheran.
• History: See BBC Timeline: Finland.
• Local etiquette: Finland tops international league tables for education, literacy, honesty and the sustainable use of national resources. The Finnish way of life is easygoing and strict formalities aren’t really observed. People are straight-talking and gaps in the conversation aren’t generally dreaded the way they are in many other countries.

Politics

• Type of government: Parliamentary democracy with a republican constitution.
• Major political parties: The National Coalition Party, the Centre Party, the Social Democratic Party of Finland, the Left Alliance and the Green League.

Travel advice

Find the latest travel advice and a travellers' checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.