Leuke weetjes over Finland

swamp-soccer

Swamp soccer

Nature and geography:

  • Finland has over 188,000 lakes, earning it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Lakes”
  • About 75% of Finland is covered by forests
  • Highest point: Halti fell (1,324 m), Enontekiö
  • Longest river: Kemijoki (550 km)
  • In summer, the north experiences the Midnight Sun, when the sun does not set at all
  • In winter, Lapland experiences polar night (Kaamos), when the sun does not rise at all

Economy and well-being:

  • Currency: Euro (€) (in use since 2002)
  • GDP per capita: Around 58,000 USD (2024)
  • Finland is one of the least corrupt countries in the world
  • Finland’s education system is often ranked among the best globally
  • Education and healthcare are free in Finland
  • Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world multiple times (World Happiness Report)

Culture and society:

  • Finland has the most metal bands per capita in the world
  • Finns consume the most coffee per capita worldwide – over 10 kg per person annually
  • Finland’s national epic is Kalevala
  • Finnish inventions include: SMS text message, Linux operating system, heart rate monitor, Angry Birds game
  • Finns are known for their “sisu”, a unique blend of resilience and determination

Interesting facts:

  • Finland has more saunas than cars (over 3 million saunas)
  • Finland contributed to funding the Global Seed Vault in Svalbard (also known as the “Doomsday Seed Bank”)
  • Santa Claus’s official home is in Korvatunturi, Lapland
  • Finland hosts wife-carrying, swamp soccer, and air guitar competitions