Finland

Finland borders Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east with Helsinki as its capital city. Finland has a population of about 5.5 million people. Finland was part of the Swedish Kingdom for several centuries until it was ceded to Russia in 1809 declared in 1917.

Economy

• Finland has a highly developed mixed economy with significant involvement in services, manufacturing, and technology.
• Major Finnish companies include Nokia (telecommunications), Kone (elevators and escalators), and Rovio Entertainment (creators of Angry Birds).
• The country has a strong welfare system and places a high emphasis on education, innovation, and sustainable development.

Social Welfare

• Finland is renowned for its comprehensive social welfare system, which includes universal healthcare, free education, and extensive social security benefits for its citizens.

Education and Innovation

• Finland’s education system is characterized by high standards, equal opportunities, and a strong emphasis on research and development.
• The country is known for its innovation in technology, particularly in the fields of telecommunications, gaming, and clean energy.
• Finnish students consistently perform well in international assessments like PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment).
• The Finnish education system is frequently ranked among the best in the world, with a focus on equal opportunities and high-quality teaching.

Nature and Environment

• Finland is known for its pristine natural landscapes, including vast forests, numerous lakes, and the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Lapland.
• The country is committed to environmental sustainability and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2035.
• Finland has one of the highest levels of forest coverage in Europe, with forests covering about 75% of its land area.