Finland is a country in the northern part of Europe. It holds the title of the best and most stable country in the world. What characteristics and features does Finland have? For the form of government and description of the population, see later in the article.

Geography

Finland borders Norway, Russia, and Sweden. It shares sea waters (the Gulf of Finland) and Sweden (the Gulf of Bothnia). The area of ​​Finland is 338,430,053 square kilometers. More than 20% of the country's territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle.

The coastline of the continental part stretches for 46 thousand kilometers. In addition, Finland owns more than 80 thousand islands and archipelagos. The most famous are the Turku archipelago and the Åland Islands.

In the area between the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia is the Archipelago Sea. This is an area in which many small islands, uninhabited rocks and skerries are concentrated. Their total number reaches 50,000, making the archipelago the largest in the country.

The territory of the state is elongated in the meridian direction. The length from north to south is 1030 kilometers, the distance from west to east is 515 kilometers. The country shares its highest point, Mount Halti, with Norway. In Finland its height is 1324 meters.

Finland: form of government and political structure

Finland is a unitary state where the Åland Islands have partial autonomy. The special status of the islands exempts the inhabitants of this territory from military service (unlike the rest of Finland), allows them to have their own parliament and much more.

Finland is a parliamentary-presidential republic. The head of state is the president, whose term of office lasts six years. The main ruling structures of the country are located in the capital - the city of Helsinki. The judicial system has several branches and is divided into civil, criminal and administrative courts.

Laws in the country are based on Swedish or civil law. Considering that the country is a parliamentary-presidential republic, the parliament and the president are responsible for the legislative branch. Executive power belongs to the President and the State Council.

What territorial units is Finland divided into? The country's form of government involves a slightly complicated division. The entire territory is divided into regions, they are divided into cities, which, in turn, are divided into communes. Each unit has its own controls. There are 19 regions in the country.

Population of the country

The country has a population of approximately 5.5 million people. The majority of Finland's population lives on just five percent of the country's territory. Overall population growth is negative, the birth rate is lower than the death rate. However, the total number of inhabitants is increasing.

In recent years, citizens of other countries have made up approximately 4%. The population of Finland is 89% Finnish. The largest national minority is the Finnish Swedes. Russians represent 1.3%, almost 1% belongs to Estonians. The smallest number possessed by the Sami and the Gypsies.

The first most common language is Finnish, spoken by more than 90% of the population. Together with Swedish, it is official. Swedish is spoken by only 5.5% of residents, mainly on the Åland Islands, in the western and southern regions of the state. Russian, Somali, Arabic and English are spoken among immigrants.

Economy

Finland's share in the world economy is modest, in trade it is 0.8%, in manufacturing - approximately 5%. This small highly developed GDP per capita is about 45 thousand dollars. National currency Finland - euro, until 2002 the Finnish mark was in force.

The industry accounts for the largest share of the country's economy (33%). The main industries are mechanical engineering, metallurgy, woodworking, light and food industries. Agriculture is focused on growing grain crops and meat and dairy farming. It accounts for 6%, forestry - 5%.

In Finland, the Internet technology sector is rapidly developing, and investment attractiveness is increasing. Negative factors of the economy are the large and undeveloped domestic market.

Almost half of the residents are employed in the service sector, industrial sector and trade, 28% work in forestry, 12% in fishing. In Finland, there is a trend towards an aging population, which also negatively affects the development of the country's economy.

Nature

Finland is often called there are more than 180 thousand here. Most of them, along with swamps and swamps, are located in the central part of the country. The largest are Oulujärvi, Saimaa, and Päijänne. All lakes are connected by small rivers, in which waterfalls, rapids and rapids often form.

Finland's area is 60% covered by forests. The relief is represented by hilly plains and plateaus in the east. The highest point is in the north; in the rest of the country, elevations do not exceed three hundred meters. The formation of the relief was significantly influenced by glaciation.

The country has a temperate climate, continental in the northern part, in the rest of the territory it is transitional from continental to maritime. Active precipitation occurs throughout the year. Summer days are especially long and cool, lasting until 19:00. In remote northern areas, sunset does not occur for 73 days. Winters, on the contrary, are short and cold.

Animal and plant life

Finland is characterized by a variety of flora and fauna. Forests cover more than 20 million hectares of the country. Mainly pine forests, located in the central part. It grows in them a large number of berries (blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, etc.) and mushrooms. Beech forests predominate in the southern regions.

In the northern part of the country, vegetation is low. There are no forests here, but cloudberry grass is actively growing, forming entire thickets. Spring vegetation is represented by various grasses, such as liverwort and coltsfoot.

The fauna is widely represented by birds. Finland is home to whooper swans, which have become a symbol of the country. Here you can meet finches, lapwings, thrushes, starlings, herons, and cranes. The list of mammals includes wolverines, lynxes, flying squirrels, beavers, brown bears, bats, wolves, ferrets and, of course, reindeer.

• There are 38 national parks in Finland, where walking is legally permitted freely. Within their boundaries there are many overnight stops.
• Tap water in this country is considered the cleanest in the world.
• To see Northern lights, you don't need to travel far. It can be observed even in the southern part of the country.

• The local sport is Nordic walking. It is a regular race walk with ski poles for weighting. They do it even in the summer.
• On average, each Finn drinks more than two thousand cups of coffee per year. For this, they have earned the title of world coffee lovers.
• In a small town in Finland, it is quite possible to meet a deer or a bear right on the street.

Conclusion

The land of a thousand lakes and the “midnight sun” is Finland. The form of government of the state is a republic. This is a unitary country, which includes a territory with a special status. The main city of the country is Helsinki.

The ecological situation in Finland is considered one of the best in the world. Even the taps here flow clean water. The country's hilly terrain is covered with pine and beech forests, berry bushes and numerous lakes. And the state carefully protects its unique landscapes.

The official name is the Republic of Finland (Suomen Tasavalta). Located in northern Europe in the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Area 337 thousand km2 (about 1/3 of it beyond the Arctic Circle), 9.4% - inland waters, mainly lakes. Population: 5.16 million people. (2002). The official languages ​​are Finnish and Swedish. The capital is Helsinki (500 thousand people, 2002). Public Holiday- Independence Day December 6 (since 1917). The monetary unit is the euro (since 2002, before that the Finnish mark).

Member of the UN (since 1955), Nordic Council (since 1955), EU (since 1995), etc.

Sights of Finland

Geography of Finland

Finland (Finnish Suomi or Saomeumaa - a country of lakes or swamps) is located between 70° 5' 30'' and 59° 30' 10'' north latitude and 20° 33' 27'' and 31° 35' 20'' east longitude . In the south and west the shores are washed by waters Baltic Sea, its gulfs - Finnish and Bothnian. The length of the coastline (excluding tortuosity) is 1100 km. It borders in the east with the Russian Federation (border length 1269 km), in the northwest with Sweden (586 km) and in the north with Norway (716 km).

The country's landscape is highly leveled and the relief is flat. The shores of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia are predominantly low-lying, strongly dissected by numerous small bays and abound in skerries, especially in the south and southwest. St. 1/3 of the territory is 100 m below sea level, St. 2/3 - lower by 200 m. central part- Lake plateau - limited by the Salpausselkä ridges, the Suomenselkä upland, and from the east by the Karelian Upland. Lapland contains highlands (height 400-600 m), the largest being Manselkä. In the northwest is a small section of the Scandinavian Highlands (height up to 1328 m - Mount Haltiatunturi).

A dense network of short but deep rivers (Kemi-Joki, Kymi-Joki, Kokemäen-Joki, Tornio-Joki) with numerous rapids and waterfalls (including Imatra on the Vuoksa River) has been developed. The rivers are fed by rain and snow; their flow is often regulated by lakes. High water in late spring and summer, isolated rain floods in autumn. Lakes (55-75 thousand) are often elongated in the direction of movement of ancient glaciers - from north-west to south-east, with winding shores, dotted with numerous islands, interconnected by channels and form large lake systems, incl. Saimaa (area 4.4 thousand km2), Päijänne, Inari, Oulujärvi. Rivers and lakes are covered with ice for 5-7 months, and in summer there is timber rafting.

The soils are mainly podzolic, alternating with peat-bog soils, also sod-podzolic, and in the north - mountain-forest podzolic. More than 1/3 of the territory is swampy. The high degree of moisture and the presence of glacial boulders prevent agricultural use and require extensive reclamation work. Forests - 87.3% of the territory, mainly of the taiga type (pine, spruce, birch), in the south and southwest with an admixture of broad-leaved species.

Most of the fauna belongs to the Palearctic zone, which is also characteristic of the north-west of the Russian Federation: large predatory animals (wolf, wolverine, lynx, bear) and birds (golden eagle, white-tailed eagle). In forests it occurs approx. 70 species of mammals: elk, fox, squirrel, ermine. Birds are represented by 350 species: crow, magpie, cuckoo, thrush, woodpecker, bullfinch, black grouse. There are 36 species of fish in the waters of rivers and lakes (salmon, trout, whitefish, perch, pike, pike perch). There are 30 more species of fish in the Baltic Sea: herring, flounder, cod and smelt. There are gray seals near the coast.

The minerals are associated with the main rocks - quartzites and shales in fault zones. In terms of reserves of chromites, vanadium and cobalt - 1st place in Western Europe, titanium and nickel - 2nd, copper and pyrite - 3rd. Deposits of copper-pyrite (Outokumpu, Luikonlahti, Pyhäsalmi and Hammaslahti), copper-nickel (Vuonos, Kotalahti, Stromi, Hitura, Nivala), polymetallic (Vikhanti) ores. There are also deposits of apatite, graphite, magnesite, asbestos, talc, marble, granites and peat.

The climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental, and continental in the north. It is moderated by the Baltic Sea and the proximity of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic. Winter is long, frosty, with strong winds and plenty of snow; Summer is relatively warm, but short. The average temperature in February (the coldest month is a maximum of -30°C) is -3-6°C in the north and southwest, -12-14°C in the north. The average temperature in July (the warmest month is maximum + 35°C) is + 13-17°C in the south and + 14-15°C in the north. Precipitation per year is 600-650 mm, 1/3 occurs in winter. In spring, the snow cover does not melt until April. In summer, white nights can be observed almost throughout the entire territory; on the west coast, the water heats up to +20°C. Fogs are frequent in the coastal regions of the country.

Population of Finland

The population is growing slowly, mainly due to low natural increase (0.4% per year in the 1990s). Infant mortality 5.6 people. per 1000 newborns. The average life expectancy for men is 74 years, for women - 81.5 years.

Economically active population (2002) 2.16 million people. The general trend is population movement to cities. Average density 15 people. per 1 km2, 9/10 of the total population lives in the southwestern and southern part of the country, south of the Pori - Tampere - Kumenlaskso - Kotka line. Lapland is the most deserted part - 2-3 people. per 1 km2.

Largest cities: Helsinki, Tampere (174 thousand people), Turku (160 thousand), Oulu (102 thousand).

The ethnic composition is homogeneous, St. 90% of the inhabitants are Finns. In the southern and western coastal areas- Swedes (300 thousand people), in the north - 2 thousand Sami (Lapps) speak the Sami language. 100 thousand foreigners live, of which 23 thousand are Russians.

The official languages ​​are Finnish and Swedish. Finnish is spoken approx. 93% of the population, Swedish is the native language of 6% of the country's inhabitants. The Finnish language is part of the group of Baltic-Finnish languages, belonging to the Finno-Ugric, or Uralic, family of languages, spoken in a total of approx. 23 million people

The overwhelming majority of believers belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church (90%), there are Orthodox Christians (1%).

History of Finland

All R. 1st millennium AD areas of initial settlement of Finno-Ugric tribes were formed. The Finnish nation was formed on the basis of the merger of the Sumi, Emi, and Korelov tribal groups. However, for economic and geographical reasons, state-political consolidation was not achieved by the Finnish tribes. All R. 12th century The conquest of the country by Swedish feudal lords begins. According to the Orekhovsky Treaty of 1323, which for the first time determined state border between Sweden and Russia, the territory of modern Finland (Swedish Finland, i.e. land of the Finns) became part of the Kingdom of Sweden. Swedish law and social order took root here, under which the Finnish peasant was never enslaved and retained personal freedom. Sweden's constant wars against Russia in the 2nd half. 16th century had a detrimental effect on the situation of the Finnish peasantry. The reformation launched by M. Luther spread to Finland, which contributed to the rise of Finnish-speaking culture. The reformer and founder of the Finnish literary language, Bishop of Turku M. Agricola, translated the New Testament into Finnish in 1548.

During the great power period (1617-1721), Sweden was able to push the Finnish border further to the east. As a result of the Swedish-Russian war of 1808-09, Russia conquered Finland. A meeting of representatives of the estates, convened by the Russian government in the city of Borgo (Borgo Diet 1809), approved the “special” conditions for the country’s entry into Russian Empire as the Grand Duchy of Finland with broad autonomy.

In the 1820-40s. in connection with the formation of the Finnish nation, the Finnoman movement developed, fighting for equality Finnish language with Swedish. The national epic “Kalevala” compiled by E. Lönnrut was published in 1835. The so-called. The Golden Age of Finnish culture: poet E. Leino, composer J. Sibelius, artist A. Galen-Kallela. With the language manifesto issued by Alexander II in 1863, Finnish's path to obtaining the status of the state language began. These processes and internal reforms in Russia contributed to the formation of the Finnish nation and statehood.

The need to equalize economic conditions within the empire and the growing strategic importance the Baltic coast prompted to con. 19th century The tsarist government switched to a policy of infringing Finnish autonomy. In the beginning. 1880s The first trade unions and workers' unions appeared; in 1899 the Finnish Workers' Party was founded (since 1903 - the Social Democratic Party of Finland, SDPF). In the beginning. 20th century Economic growth and changes in the structure of society continued (the number of landless people increased, emigration of the population increased, mainly to the USA). Under the influence of the Russian revolution of 1905-07, the national revolutionary movement unfolded, new ones took shape political parties, the estate parliament became elected, and Finnish women received equal voting rights for the first time in Europe. The October Revolution in Russia brought national independence. On December 6, 1917, parliament adopted a declaration declaring Finland independent state, and the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR on December 18 (31), 1917 recognized its sovereignty.

Social and political contradictions between right and left have led to civil war, which ended in May 1918 with the victory of government troops under the command of G. Mannerheim with the direct participation of German expeditionary forces. In the summer of 1919, Finland was officially declared a republic and K. J. Stolberg (1865-1952) was elected as the first president. Internal political situation in the 1920s. was not stable: in 1919-30 there were 14 governments. In the fall of 1929, the fascist, so-called, arose. Lapua movement. In 1930, parliament was dissolved and worker deputies were arrested. In 1930-31, the right-wing bourgeois government of P. Svinhuvud was in power, who became president in 1931-37.

On November 30, 1939, the Soviet-Finnish “winter war” began, which ended with the defeat of Finland and the signing of a peace treaty on March 12, 1940 in Moscow. On June 22, 1941, she entered the war against the USSR on the side of Nazi Germany, and formally declared only on June 26 the so-called. continuation war. In September 1944, as a result of the victories of the Soviet Army, Finland ceased hostilities; in March 1945, at the request of its allies in the anti-Hitler coalition, it declared war on the Third Reich. In 1947, a peace treaty was signed in Paris, under the terms of which Finland, in addition to the territories lost in 1940 on the Karelian Isthmus, ceded the Petsamo region to the Soviet Union. In April 1948, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance (DAFMA) was signed between the USSR and Finland.

Elected president in 1946, J. K. Paasikivi (1870-1956) sought to create trusting relationship from the USSR. DDSVP formed the basis of the so-called. Paasikivi lines. Over the following years, the country's international position began to strengthen: in 1952 the Olympic Games were held in Helsinki. The purpose of W.K. Kekkonen, elected president of the republic in 1956, was to ensure the functioning of the presidential republic and expand foreign policy freedom of action under the sign of an active policy of neutrality by continuing the “Paasikivi-Kekkonen line”. This was reflected in the initiatives to organize and hold the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in Helsinki in the summer of 1975. M. Koivisto was elected as the new president of the republic in 1982.

Thanks to the “Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line,” it was possible to maintain friendly relations with the USSR and close ties with Western countries. Soviet-Finnish relations were an exemplary example of the policy of peaceful coexistence. Intensive political dialogue was maintained and high level trade turnover (in the mid-1980s, 25%, which ensured an increase of 1-2% of GDP). In 1973, the country entered into an agreement with the EU on free trade in industrial goods, in 1986 it became a full member of EFTA, and in 1989 of the European Council.

A. Ahtisaari became the tenth president of the republic in the 1994 elections, and in 2000 a woman, Tarja Halonen, became president for the first time. In the 1995 parliamentary elections, the Finnish Center party was defeated, and the new chairman of the SDPF, Paavo Lipponen, formed a unique government, which was called the “rainbow coalition.” In addition to the left - the SDPF, the Union of Left Forces, the Union of Greens (withdrew in June 2001 due to disagreement with expanding nuclear energy), it also included the right - the National Coalition Party (NKP), the Swedish People's Party.

Government structure and political system of Finland

Finland is a democratic unitary state governed by the rule of law with a republican form of government. Four constitutional laws together make up the Constitution: the Act on the Form of Government (adopted on July 17, 1919 - amendments and additions were made in 1926, 1930, 1943, 1955, 1992 and 2000), the Act on the right of Parliament to control the legality of the activities of the Council of State and the Chancellor of Justice 1922, the Act on the Supreme Court (1922) and the Parliamentary Statute (1928). In accordance with changes in the constitutional acts of 2000, the country moved from presidential to parliamentary democracy.

According to the Electoral Act of 1998, elections were established at 4 levels: to the Eduskunt - a unicameral parliament, presidential elections, elections to local authorities (446 communes) and elections of 16 deputies to the European Parliament (since 1999). The right to vote is granted to all citizens over 18 years of age.

Administratively, Finland is divided into 6 provinces, which are subdivided into counties.

The head of state is President Tarja Halonen (since February 2000), elected by the population by direct vote for a period of 6 years (in 1919-94 elections were held in two stages). The President formally has broad powers.

The highest legislative body is the Eduskunt - a unicameral parliament consisting of 200 deputies elected by the population for 4 years according to the system of proportional representation.

The head of the highest executive body - the State Council - is the Chairman of the Government, Prime Minister (Matti Vanhanen - Finnish Center Party, since June 2003).

Local government in lieni (provinces) is carried out by a board headed by a governor appointed by the president. The Åland Islands (Ahvenanma province) were granted partial autonomy. Local government bodies in communes are city and rural communal councils elected for 4 years.

The judicial system includes the Supreme Court, whose members are appointed by the president for life; 4 courts of appeal and courts of first instance: city and district (in rural areas). There is also an administrative justice system.

Party- politic system is close to the Scandinavian model, although here there is inter-party cooperation between the right and left, which is uncharacteristic for its neighbors. On the left flank is the Social Democratic Party of Finland (SDPF; Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue), the largest - 100 thousand members. It is joined by two parties - the Union of Left Forces (SLS) and the environmental party Green League (LZ). After systemic changes in the USSR/RF in the 1980s - early. 90s, which caused another crisis in the ranks of the Finnish left, supporters of the Communist Party of Finland (CPF, Suomen Kommunistinen Puolue, founded on August 29, 1918) and the Democratic Union of the People of Finland (DSNF, Suomen Kansan Demokraattinen Liitto, 1944) joined the ranks of the left socialists who united in the SLS.

The center-right bloc consists of 4 major parties. The Finnish Center Party (FC, Keskustapuolue) was founded in 1906, until October 1965 it was called the Agrarian Union. The National Coalition Party (NKP, Kansallinen Kokoomus) was founded in 1918. The Swedish People's Party (SNP, Svenska Folkspartiet Finland) was founded in 1906, and the country's main national minority traditionally votes for it. The Christian Democrats (CD) trace their origins to the Christian Union, formed in 1975.

In the next parliamentary elections held on March 16, 2003, 70% of Finnish citizens took part (out of 4.2 million people in the country and 200 thousand abroad). The main themes of the election campaign were social issues, although there was controversy over government policy towards Iraq. The question of the country's possible membership in NATO did not become a central topic due to the Finnish leadership's awareness of geopolitical realities and reluctance to create concern in the Russian Federation. The race for votes was fought between the ruling SDPF and the largest opposition FC. As a result, the centrists surpassed their rivals and became the most popular party in the country, winning 55 seats. The centrists were helped to achieve an increase of 7 deputies (24.7% of the vote, which is 2.3% more than 4 years ago) by the election program of the chairman of the FC, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, called “A Brighter Alternative.” Although the Social Democrats received 0.2% fewer votes than the FC, they have 53 mandates, increasing their faction by 2 deputies. The NKP received 18.5% of the votes and 40 seats, which is 6 seats less. As a result, the parliament was renewed by a third, and a number of small factions appeared, such as the exotic “Real Finns” party.

As a result of the elections in April 2003, a new coalition government was created, where the “main opponents” are present: the SDPF, the SNP and the FC (a total of 84 deputies) led by Anneli Jäätteenmäki (FC). Moreover, for the first time in the country, both the president and the prime minister are women. The new government will have to rely on the informal support of the SLS, LZ and center parties.

The regrouping of party and political forces after the March 2003 elections did not affect the socio-economic course. All forces are in favor of maintaining the current model of the “welfare state.” The “sensitivity” of the Social Democrats to the proposals of the Finnish trade unions will obviously meet with active opposition from the right. Consensus on foreign policy issues remains, despite slight differences in the views of parliamentary parties regarding the degree of the country's participation in the EU and on the issue of the country's accession to NATO.

The Finnish welfare state model, like its Scandinavian neighbors, includes a high-quality free education system, a public health care system and social protection in case of illness or unemployment, which ensure a highly qualified and secure workforce. The Finnish Central Trade Union Organization (over 1 million members) plays an important role in this regard. Entrepreneurs also have a coherent system of union organizations.

The end of the Cold War and the end of the division of Europe had a direct impact on the country's foreign policy. In September 1990, the Finnish government declared that the provisions of the Paris Peace Treaty (1947), which limited Finland's sovereignty, had lost their meaning.

The development of integration in Europe required Finland to demonstrate greater foreign policy activity. When Sweden applied to join the EU in the summer of 1991, this prompted Helsinki to take a similar step (March 1992). In the referendum (October 1994), 57% of Finns who took part in the vote supported the country’s accession to the EU, and in November 1994 the parliament, with 152 votes in favor and 45 against, confirmed the country’s accession to the EU in January 1995.

Integration policy within the EU has become a central element of the country's entire international political course. Having decisively rejected the policy of “Finlandization” and non-participation in Western alliances, the Finnish establishment set out to take a worthy place in the EU. To this end, the Finnish authorities put forward a proposal for a “northern dimension” of EU policy, which was voiced in the speech of Finnish Prime Minister P. Lipponen in Rovaniemi in September 1997. As a result of the efforts of Helsinki, the EU adopted a program for 2000-03 with the aim of greater integration of the Russian Federation in world economy through the north-eastern borders through cross-border cooperation and preparation of the Baltic countries for admission to the EU.

The armed forces (called the Finnish Defense Forces - FDF) consist of the Ground Forces, Air Force and Navy. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the President; Direct leadership is exercised by the commander of the OSF through the General Staff (GS). Recruitment is carried out on the basis of the law on military service. Males over 17 years of age are invited. The annual conscription contingent is 31 thousand people, of which 500 are women, 35 thousand undergo military training annually. Duration of active military service is 6-12 months.

Military spending (2000) - 9.8 billion fin. marks, or 1.7% of GDP. The total number of Armed Forces is 32 thousand people, trained mobilization reserves are 485 thousand people.

The OSF participates in peacekeeping operations, especially the Standing Readiness Brigade (Bjorneborg), located in Säkylä.

Finland has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR when the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR recognized its independence on December 18 (31), 1917). Finland recognized the Russian Federation as the legal successor of the USSR on December 30, 1991; in January 1992, the Treaty on the Fundamentals of Relations was concluded, which in 2001 was automatically extended until 2007. Currently, more than 80 interstate and intergovernmental documents are in force between the Russian Federation and Finland.

The President of the Russian Federation B. Yeltsin was in Finland on an official visit in 1992, Presidents M. Ahtisaari and T. Halonen - in Moscow in May 1994 and June 2000, respectively. In September 2001, President V.V. made an official visit to Helsinki. Putin, a symbolic event, a sign of final reconciliation between the countries, was the laying of a wreath by the President on the grave of Marshal G. Mannerheim.

The heads of government of Finland and the Russian Federation meet at least 2 times a year. Regular contacts are maintained between the heads of ministries and departments. Interparliamentary relations are active. Cooperation in neighboring regions plays a significant role. The cultural ties between the Finno-Ugric peoples are very diverse.

Economy of Finland

Finland entered the 21st century, occupying a position at the beginning of the second ten most developed and prosperous countries in the world (GDP - 140 billion euros, 25 thousand euros per capita). GDP growth in 2002 was 1.6% (on average since the late 1990s 1.7%). The high indicators are based on social economic development lie in the skillful use of national resources and the advantages of the international division of labor. In addition, development in the 1990s. took place under favorable foreign trade conditions, it was possible to continue the formation of a dynamic diversified economy.

Not so long ago, people in Finland were annoyed at the narrow base of the domestic industry, the forestry industry accounted for a significant share of GDP, and the country's economy fluctuated depending on its market conditions. Nowadays, the proportional share of the timber industry has decreased significantly; along with it, the electrical engineering industry has begun to gain strength, the core of which is represented by the Nokia concern, the world leader in production. mobile phones. Almost 1/2 of GDP growth in the 1990s. made by Nokia. The main generator of growth was the high demand for cell phones. In 2002, they were sold 30% more than in 2001. New models with a color screen and a camera are especially popular.

The country managed to make a breakthrough in the development of high technologies and informatization of society on the basis of Finnish identity, R&D and an increase in technical education, primarily among students. In terms of the number of mobile phones and Internet connections, the country is among the leading group of advanced powers. There has been an increased focus on foreign markets, where the country is a major supplier of paper, pulp, mechanical engineering products - special ships, machinery and equipment for the woodworking and pulp and paper industries. According to the annual examination of the World Economic Forum (WEF), France ranked 2nd in the world in terms of competitiveness in 2002.

The small size of the domestic market and limited national resources determined the choice of economic development of the country - specialization in the production of a limited range of goods and services for the external market. Although Finland's importance in the world economy is small: 0.5% of total GDP, 0.4% of industrial production and 0.8% of exports, it retains a significant position in the production and export of some types of industrial products, especially the traditional timber and paper sector (6th place - in production and 2nd - in export of paper and cardboard), as well as telecommunications equipment, cruise ships, etc. The overwhelming majority of industrial products are produced by approx. 10-15% of industrial enterprises (with the number of employees of 100 people or more), in which St. 50% of all industrial personnel.

Structural restructuring continues, which ensures economic growth and changes the economic face of the country. If in the 1950s. Agriculture and forestry accounted for more than 25% of GDP, then in the 1990s. only ok. 5%. Now the service sector has become dominant - more than 60% of GDP, and the share of industry has fallen to 30%. 7.1% are employed in agriculture and forestry (2002, in 1974 - 16.2%, in 1950 - 45.8%), in industry - 27.5% (27.5 and 20.8%), in services - 65.5% (55 and 31.8%).

In the industrial structure (by value added) compared to the beginning. 1950s significant changes also occurred: the share of mechanical engineering increased from 25 to 35%, chemistry - from 7 to 10%, metallurgy - from 3 to 5%, energy - from 4 to 9%. Manufacturing industries produce a wide range of machinery and industrial equipment, especially for the pulp and paper industry (6-7% of production and 10% of exports worldwide). There is a sector specializing in the production of handling equipment, machinery for agriculture and forestry, road and construction work. The electrical engineering industry occupies a prominent place in the production of power equipment (generators, transformers, electric motors, etc.) and cable production. Shipbuilding saw further specialization in the production of platforms with offshore oil drilling rigs, ferries and tugs.

The timber and paper industry practically remained at the level of 20%, but within it the share of wood processing decreased from 10 to 5%, and the share of the pulp and paper industry increased from 10 to 15%. The structure of production has expanded, including wood processing, pulp and paper industry and forest chemicals. The country, possessing less than 1% of the world's forest reserves, is in the first row in the production and export of forest products. These industrial sectors contribute more than 1/4 of the value of GDP and approx. 1/2 of export value. At the same time, the importance of some domestic industries decreased, in particular the food industry (from 11 to 8%), light industry (from 17 to 2%) and especially the mining industry (from 3 to 1%), although it has significant mineral resources.

The national economy is increasingly focused on the production of high-quality specialized products based on intensive use innovative developments, relegating to the background the importance of natural and raw material factors of its international specialization. Outokumpu is a world leader in copper and nickel processing technologies, Kone is in the production of elevators, Nokia is in the production of mobile phones and in the telecommunications sector, Stura_Enso and UPM are in the forestry industry.

In the 1990s. the share of the public sector in industry has decreased to 12-15%; its most significant role is in the mining, metallurgical, chemical industries, oil refining, and mechanical engineering. The state owns 1/3 of the land area and 1/5 of the forests. In general, the state accounts for 21% of goods and services in GDP (2002), but the main levers of its policy are taxes and the budget. The high level of taxation (tax revenues 46.5% of GDP) indicates a large redistributive role of the state, like its Scandinavian neighbors. The level of government debt is significant (46% of GDP), the inflation rate is 2.6%.

Despite favorable economic indicators, a high standard of living (increase in income of individual households over the year by 3.8% in current prices, or 2.1% in constant prices), a high unemployment rate remains (approx. 10%). Experts attribute the rise in unemployment and employment growth to the growth in the number of labor resources. A solidary income policy that ensures equal wage increases for all sectors, despite differences in labor productivity, prevents the reduction of unemployment. Representatives of the business community believe that the employment situation will improve only as a result of labor market reform. However, leading political forces do not intend to change the current state of affairs.

Certain problems are created by limited energy resources and rising prices for mineral fuels. The problem of their provision can be solved by importing, mainly crude oil and natural gas (since 1974 from the USSR via pipeline) from the Russian Federation. A fundamental decision was made to build the fifth unit of the Olkiluoto NPP, which will begin operation within 5 years.

The main feature of Finnish agriculture - the connection with forestry - remains. The main direction is livestock farming - mainly dairy, which accounts for 70% of the value of its products. 8% of the territory is used - 2.7 million hectares. Despite the processes of ruin of small farms and the concentration of large farms, small farms still dominate in their structure (less than 10 hectares of arable land, 3/4 of the plot is occupied by forest), they account for 70% of farms, approx. 40% arable land.

Most of the passenger and cargo traffic with other countries is carried out by sea (the main seaports are Helsinki, Turku and Kotka). The length of the railways is approx. 7.8 thousand km, they account for 5% of passenger traffic and 1/3 of freight traffic. Highway length approx. 77.8 thousand km. An important role is played by inland waterways (6.7 thousand km), a system of canals, incl. Saimaa Canal, part of which passes through the territory of the Russian Federation. Thanks to icebreakers, maritime navigation is ensured practically all year round.

The influx of foreign direct investment into Finland accelerated after restrictions on foreign ownership were lifted in 1993. The country remains a net exporter of capital: the accumulated value of direct investment (DI) abroad is almost 2 times higher than foreign investment in Finland ($31.5 billion and $18.2 billion, respectively). Industry accounts for approx. 70% of Finnish companies' PE is abroad.

The role of foreign trade is great, its annual growth rate is 12.9% (since the end of the 1990s). The share of exports in GDP especially increased from 19.2% in 1990 to 34.3% in 2002, which is associated with accession to the EU. Its markets account for approx. 60% of all foreign trade turnover. Exports to EU countries amounted to 54%, to the USA - 9%, to the Russian Federation - 6.6%. If the total volume of exports in 2002 decreased by 2%, then to the Russian Federation it increased by 12%. From the point of view of Finnish business, the Russian Federation is interesting as a market for goods and services, a supplier mainly of raw materials and energy (approx. 89%). Mutual trade turnover is at the level of $7 billion. The Finns supply pulp and paper industry products, food, furniture, consumer goods, equipment and vehicles to the Russian Federation, and carry out construction work. An important factor is the proximity of the Russian market and the tradition of economic interaction, especially with the northwestern regions.

Science and culture of Finland

Back in 1968, a unified 9-year (basic) school was introduced. Complete secondary education is provided by the senior classes of the lyceum, which are called gymnasiums. The higher school is considered one of the most developed in Europe. There are 20 universities that offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. There is St. 30 institutes where you can get professional education and relevant qualifications in 2-4 years. The state annually allocates approx. 7.5 thousand euros.

Finland leads in the interface between university and industry research and in the proportion of the population receiving higher education. Scientific research is largely concentrated in the areas of economic specialization of the country, especially in the research departments of industrial firms. The state allocated 4.5% of the budget, or 3.2% of GDP, for R&D in 2002, which is a very high figure in the world. This area employs approx. 15 thousand scientific, engineering and technical workers (less than 1% of the economically active population). The basis of state policy in the field of science is developed by the Scientific Council together with the Academy of Finland, which act as advisory bodies to the government.

Science and culture, especially art, from the 19th century. were in close contact with the largest European schools and leading directions. This trend has intensified recently, although traditional features and deep folk roots (the epic and national motifs of the Kalevala) are preserved to this day. In addition, Finnish culture was enriched by a bilingual tradition and connections with its Slavic neighbors. Among modern figures, the names of V. Lynn, V. Meri, H. Salam, Tito T. Muka, K. Kielman, A. Kleve K. Andersson, K. Donner (writers), J. Sievenen, E. Tirronen, K. Kaivanto (artists), K. Tapper, L. Pullinen (sculptors), M. Talvela (singer). The country has especially given many bright talents to the world in the field of design and architecture (A. Aalto, V. Aaltonen, Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen). Every year (since 1951) the Sibelius Week music festival, the Savonlinna Opera Festival, prestigious competitions and various mass singing festivals are held.

The main attraction of Finland is its amazing nature. National parks. Travelers with children and anyone looking for a colorful Nordic backdrop for a photo shoot usually flock to Urho Kekkonen, overlooked by the Korvatunturi hill, where the Finnish brother of the Russian Father Frost is rumored to live. You can take part in a husky safari, go skiing and snowboarding, go down into a real mine and organize a social competition to pick lingonberries in Pyhä-Luosto. People usually come to Linnansaari to kayak through the narrow straits and skate a free program on lakes bound by a dense layer of ice. Oulanka Park, located almost on the border with Russia, is worth a look if you are interested in the nature of North Karelia, and it is recommended to look for fabulous hills and inspiring panoramas of Lake Pielinen in Koli Park.

In terms of cultural program, Helsinki is ahead of everyone else. The Finnish capital is quiet and pleasant, unlike other European cities, which makes it even more conducive to leisurely excursions. From iconic places“Daughters of the Baltic” it is worth highlighting Senaatintori Square, Sveaborg Citadel, Temppeliaukio Mountain Church and Tuomiokirkko Cathedral. The islet of Seurasaari makes an indelible impression, attracting travelers with its ethnographic museum under open air and winding forest routes.

The surroundings of the port city of Kotka have been well advertised by numerous parks and ancient forts. Be sure to find the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker here, whose exteriors in the style of Russian classicism copy the architecture of St. Petersburg churches to the smallest detail. The oldest city in the country, Turku, also has something to catch your eye. The short list of attractions of the ancient port is headed by Abo Castle, which was built as a military fort, but later became famous not for its heroic defense, but for its knightly revelries. By the way, if you have a few hundred euros lying around in your pocket, the palace halls can be rented for a cheerful banquet or a pompous wedding ceremony.

A visit to local museums will also bring a lot of impressions. Those who know a lot about avant-garde trends and ordinary lovers of criticizing the creations of contemporary artists have a direct route to the Kiasma Museum. To look at the paintings of Shishkin, Repin and Van Gogh, buy a ticket to the Athenaeum Museum. A visit to the open-air exhibition “Karelian House” is usually recommended for everyone interested in ancient life. The “Tsar’s House” museum also has an interesting fate, whose building was built specifically for Alexander III: it was here that the Russian autocrat fished while European ambassadors languished in anticipation of his audience.

You can also travel from city to city by bus. There are several large carriers operating in Finland, united to form the ExpressBus company. Ticket prices are quite reasonable; in addition, there is a pleasant system of discounts for children, pensioners and students. Those who want to travel around the province to their heart's content and save a little money can purchase a Bus Pass (150 EUR - weekly option, 250 EUR - two-week option). More complete information about bus routes, tickets and discounts, it is recommended to search on the company’s website expressbus.fi.

A fairly common method of communication between port cities is ferry crossings. The same transport is also convenient for getting to the Åland Islands. You can find out about ferry routes and schedules on the website finferries.fi.

It is convenient to travel within the Finnish capital by buses, trams, metro and taxi. Tickets here are universal and valid for any type of public transport: you can limit yourself to a one-time option (about 2-2.7 EUR), or you can take a daily (8 EUR), three-day (16 EUR) or five-day (24 EUR) pass.

An available taxi in Helsinki is identified by a yellow light on the roof of the car. Payment is made by meter, through a cash register installed in the salon. On average, landing costs from 5.3 to 8.3 EUR, and a kilometer of travel costs from 1.4 to 2 EUR.

The most active and tireless people will be able to rent a bicycle without any problems: for just 2 EUR, the capital’s CityBike parking lots will provide you with a working “two-wheeled horse.” In other cities, tariffs are higher: 10-15 EUR per day of vehicle operation.

Car rental in Finland

The roads in Finland are excellent, and the most interesting sights are scattered throughout the country, so renting a car here is definitely worth it. The only thing that can slightly spoil the impressions of the trip is local prices for gasoline. For a liter of diesel fuel at Finnish gas stations they demand from 1.13 EUR, the 95th goes for 1.34 EUR, and a liter of the 98th will cost 1.41 EUR.

Any driver over the age of 18 who has an international license, his own credit card and at least 1 year of driving experience can rent a car in Finland. Tariffs of rental companies usually depend on the period for which the car is rented. For example, renting an economy class car for a day will lighten your wallet by as much as 70 EUR. For those who rent a vehicle for more long term, the prices are more reasonable - about 120 EUR for 3 days of rental. Payment is made on the day you receive the car, however, if you plan to book the car in advance, be prepared to make a partial prepayment. As for fines for traffic violations, information about them is usually sent to the rental office, which automatically debits the required amount from the deposit blocked on your card.

Connection

The big three Finnish telecom operators are DNA, Elisa and Sonera. To connect to any of them, just look into a company salon, supermarket or R-kioski stores, where for 6-18 EUR you will be quickly accepted into the ranks of subscribers. The most economical tariff plans are offered by Elisa and DNA: SMS and calls for 0.07 EUR, Internet - 0.99 EUR/day, while purchasing a DNA SIM card costs a couple of euros more. Sonera rates are slightly higher: 0.08 EUR for local calls and 0.16 EUR per minute of communication with foreign countries.

Such an endangered form of communication as the payphone is still popular in Finland. You can find the treasured booth with a retro device on the street, in the subway, hotels and post offices. Conversations in them are paid with cards sold in R-kioski stores, minimum cost domestic calls – 0.5 EUR.

Everything is more than fine with the Internet in the homeland of the Moomins. Guests of most hotels receive free and unlimited access to the World Wide Web, while others can experience similar benefits of civilization in restaurants and cafes. In Helsinki, you can find a Wi-Fi hotspot right in the city center: the main post office, city hall, shopping centers, and libraries generously distribute traffic to everyone.

Finland for children

The Finns adore children no less than their Swedish neighbors, so the range of entertainment for young travelers here is simply fabulous. The village of Joulupukki and Santa Park (Rovaniemi) continue to hold the crown among the most desirable attractions in Finland. Here your little one will be greeted by the Finnish Santa Claus (the same Joulupukki), elf helpers, reindeer sleighs and merry carousels sparkling with Christmas garlands. Kids and adults, nostalgic for the wonderful fairy tales of Tove Jansson, can take a ride to the city of Naatali, in the vicinity of which live the Moomins, Snufkin and other incredible inhabitants of Moomidol. It’s better to take young experimenters to the Eureka Popular Science Center, or even “forget” them there for a couple of days (there is a camp for teenagers at the museum) in order to have fun in some adult establishment.

Beach holiday

The number of well-groomed and top-quality beaches in the Land of a Thousand Lakes is difficult to count, so tourists always have the opportunity to be capricious, choosing the best one from them. The most cozy and attractive areas of the coast usually belong to hotels or are attached as an additional bonus to tourist houses, but there is no shortage of public places for swimming. In Helsinki, too, there are about 30 beaches, where you can lie on for free.

Among the most developed and visited resorts in Finland is Yyteri (the city of Pori): as many as 6 kilometers of pristine sandy shore with campsites, spa complexes, extreme entertainment and excellent beach infrastructure. Families with children and those who like to splash around in shallow waters are usually recommended to visit Oulu and Tampere, as well as take a closer look at the beaches of lakes Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi. You can also swim in the Åland Islands, but you will have to look for a suitable place with a convenient descent: the shores here are rocky.

Skiing

The mountains, or rather the hills, of Finland are not aimed at ski gurus, but rather at beginners and those who have just learned the basics of this sport. With the same success, you can slide down their gentle slopes on a sled or cheesecake: the risk is minimal, but the pleasure and adrenaline are the opposite. By the way, equipped local trails By last word technology.

Resorts of a more advanced level are worth looking for in Lapland. In particular, if you want to mingle among the Finnish business elite, save up your money for a ski pass to Saariselkä. In Levi the people are simpler: the complex is famous for its variety of trails and its cable car, the only one in all of Finland. Vuokatti is popular with families with children, snowboarders and cross-country skiers, for whom there are first-class trails. But the skiers from Northern capital they prefer not to go too deep into the Finnish wilds, mastering the slopes of border resorts like Friski, Myllymäki and Uuperinrinteet.

You can fish in Finnish waters only with a license. Fishing with a regular fishing rod without a reel and spoon is possible without obtaining a documentary permit. To obtain a license, a tourist must obtain, firstly, a certificate of payment of the state fishing fee (can be purchased at a bank, post office, R-kioski network and on the official website), and secondly, a receipt for payment of a local license (purchased at gas stations, in stores). Each of the documents is valid only in the territory of one province, that is, if you are planning to organize a fishing tour on all the lakes of Finland, you will have to acquire a new license in each region.

As for the catch, it will be equally rich everywhere, differing only in species diversity. For example, for salmon and grayling it is better to go to the Lapland rivers Näätämejoki, Simojoki, Tenojoki and Tornionjoki. Pike are most often caught in lakes Kemijärvi and Porttipahta, and for brown trout you will have to ride to Inari and Vätäri. The coolest place in eastern Finland is the Kuusamo region, in particular the Tornio River. You should come here for salmon, as well as pike and perch, which flood the surrounding lakes.

In the west of the country you can get hold of trout, grayling and the same salmon (the rivers Kiiminkijoki, Simojoki, Iijoki), but for whitefish it is worth looking at the lakes and rapids of the Savo region, which has gained fame as the most ecologically clean corner of Finland.

Where to stay

Traditional Finnish hotels do not have stars, which does not affect the level of their service. For those who are used to traveling on a grand scale and prefer apartments in the “expensive-rich” style, we can recommend such options as, Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa (Helsinki), Arctic Light (Rovaniemi).

Incorrigible misanthropes, ultimate romantics and couples seeking solitude will find wooden cottages scattered throughout the most secluded and picturesque corners of Finland: , . Almost all houses are built from environmentally friendly materials and equipped with fireplaces and saunas. By the way, such apartments are in demand at ski resorts.

You can relax your body and soul in the spa complexes that have recently filled the shores of Finnish lakes and rivers (, Cumulus Rukahovi, Ruissalo, Santa's Resort & Spa Hotel Sani). If the tourist budget is bursting at the seams and there is not enough money for a decent hotel , it's worth checking out the local hostels and campsites.

Despite the fact that Finland is considered to be an expensive country, housing prices here are very varied. If in pretentious hotels the most modest room will cost 75 EUR, then in hotels of a lower rank there will always be a room for 50 EUR. In hostels the situation is even more positive - up to 45 EUR per room. The most ridiculous (by European standards) prices for campsites: from 3 to 20 EUR per night. The owners of eco-cottages have not yet decided on prices, so you can rent a nice house for a week for either 250 or 800 euros.

Shopping

Global shopping in Finland can cost a pretty penny, so travelers planning to buy branded items should better time their trip around Christmas or Juhannus (the Finnish equivalent of Midsummer Day), when large-scale sales start in all the country's malls. You can tell that the store has started liquidating the collection by looking at the “Alennusmyynt” and “Ale” signs.

The most suitable places to get a stylish European outfit in Finland are showrooms and outlets in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere. Do not neglect locally produced textile products, which will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than their French or English counterparts. In particular, the youth brand Jack & Jones, sports equipment manufacturer Luhta and exclusive designer clothing Halonen have gained a good reputation. The best place to look for original children's clothes, toys and vintage accessories is at Kirputoriya flea markets. If second-hand shopping does not cause negative associations, you can save a lot of money in such places.

Those who like to buy memorable souvenirs should save up a certain amount in their account in advance: the range of funny little things and gift products in Finland is luxurious. Here you will find national dolls, reindeer skins, Moomin figurines, elite Lapponia Jewelry, skillfully stylized as handicrafts, locally produced porcelain and ceramics, Scandinavian puukko knives, as well as a bunch of other things that will warm you up. soul, becoming a material reminder of the trip. Gourmets usually bring smoked fish, berry liqueur, cheeses, Fazer chocolate, Salmiakki licorice candies, Piparkakkuja cookies and Mintu mint liqueur from Finland.

Tax free

VAT on most goods in Finland is as much as 22%, so searching for a store that supports the system Tax free, is not a whim, but a real way to save on purchases. As practice shows, you can return from 12 to 16% of the cost of the goods, but only if the amount of your purchases exceeded 40 EUR. And one more thing: go on a shopping tour with a passport, since store employees will definitely require you to show it before filling out the receipt.

You can get part of your money back at Helsinki Airport, as well as at return points located on the Finnish-Russian border: border crossings Valimaa-Torfyanovka, Imatra-Svetogorsk, Nuyamaa-Brusnichnoe, Niirala-Värtsilä and others. To apply for Tax free, you must first “stamp” the goods from customs officers (under no circumstances open the packaging), after which you can safely go to any of the nearest offices that handle refunds.

Store opening hours

Small shops and boutiques are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00, while large shopping centers serve visitors until 20:00-21:00. On Saturday, all retail outlets are open with reduced hours, until 15:00. On a holiday, you won’t be able to buy anything, since except for the R-kioski chain pavilions, all stores in the country are closed.

Holidays and Events

In Finland, you can celebrate both classic religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, and take part in all kinds of festivals, which are an endless series in this country. Of the winter holidays, the New Year, the Day of the Sami People and the Day of “Kalevala” - the Karelian-Finnish poetic epic - are considered especially significant. In the spring, crispy brushwood is baked throughout the country for May Day (Vappu) and stocked with bouquets and gifts for Mother's Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Summer in Finland is the holiday of Ivan Kupala (Juhannus), a military parade for the Day of Defense Forces, a daring Flow Festival and gay pride, which is unchanged for all European countries. The heavy rock festival Tuska Open Air in Helsinki also falls in the summer months: a stunning and equally deafening event is held in the industrial zone of the capital and attracts up to 30,000 spectators at its venues. In October, all tourists and metropolitan gourmets flock to Helsinki Market Square to celebrate Herring Day and at the same time try all varieties of this truly Scandinavian delicacy.

Visa information

To obtain permission to enter Finland, tourists from Russia and the CIS will have to apply for a visa. The procedure for obtaining a pass can be completed at consulates or visa centers. A standard Schengen package of documents will be required: an international passport valid for at least three months after the end of the trip, a color photo 36×47 mm, a completed online application form, confirmation of a hotel reservation, copies of round-trip air tickets and medical insurance covering expenses from 30,000 EUR.

In some cases, the consulate may require the tourist to provide proof of financial solvency and a certificate of employment. When traveling with children under the age of 14, you must provide a copy of the birth certificate, as well as a notarized copy of the travel permit from the mother/father if the child is traveling with only one of the parents.

Customs

Without having to fill out a declaration, you can bring only 1,500 USD to Finland. Concerning hand luggage, then its cost should not exceed 430 EUR. Age restrictions apply for the import of alcohol:

• for persons under 18 years of age and tourists whose stay in the country is less than 3 days - a complete ban;
• for tourists aged 18 to 20 years – drinks no stronger than 22°.

In total, you can carry 16 liters of beer, 4 liters of wine and up to 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22°), or 2 liters of other drinks with a strength of less than 22°, without paying a duty. Restrictions on tobacco products are the same as in other countries European countries: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/250 g tobacco. A more detailed list of limits applicable to the import and export of certain categories of goods can be found on the official website of the Finnish Customs Administration: tulli.fi.

How to get there

Airplane. You can fly from Moscow to Helsinki without transfers with Aeroflot and Finnair. Travel time – 1 hour 50 minutes. Direct flights from the Northern capital are offered by Norra (air time - 1 hour 10 minutes), and it is better to look for options with transfers from Rossiya, Aeroflot and AirBaltic (flight duration from 3 hours 30 minutes).

Train. Departures daily from Leningradsky Station in Moscow to Helsinki branded train“Leo Tolstoy”, which residents of St. Petersburg can also attend. The entire journey of the locomotive takes no more than 14 hours. A more efficient option - high-speed train“Allegro” from the Northern capital, which will take a tourist to Finland in just 3 hours 40 minutes.

Bus from St. Petersburg. Bus services towards Helsinki depart from Vosstaniya Square. The trip usually takes about 6 hours.

Ferry. Fans of sea cruises can sail to Finland on the Princess Maria and Princess Anastasia ferries departing from the St. Petersburg Marine Station. The duration of such a trip is 14 hours.

The Republic of Finland is a good neighbor of Russia, Norway and Sweden and is located in northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula. To the question of which sea washes Finland, there is only one answer - the Baltic. At the same time, in the formation water boundaries The country also participates in the sea itself and its two bays - Bothnian and Finnish.

Land of a Thousand Lakes

This is how numerous travel guides call Finland. In total, there are 190 thousand lakes in the country, which occupy almost 10% of the territory of the republic. There are almost two thousand rivers flowing into the lakes and seas of Finland.

Holidays on the islands

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Finland is a holiday on the archipelago located in the Baltic Sea. These islands are called Åland and represent real paradise for fans of fishing and solitude. You can get here by ferry from the capital, and a fishing license is usually ordered when booking a cottage for accommodation. Fishing on the Åland Islands in the Finnish Sea is possible in any season, the only difference is in the types of fish that bite or not depending on the time of year.
When asked what kind of seas are in Finland, experts will certainly answer - clean. In general, everything is in order with the environment in the northern state, the reason for which is both strict state control over enterprises and production, and the high consciousness of local residents.

• The capital of the Åland Islands, Mariehamn is the third largest port city in the country.
• The long warm autumn in the archipelago is due to the fact that the Baltic Sea slowly releases the heat received in the summer months.
• In the northern part of the Gulf of Bothnia, the salinity of the water is so low that freshwater fish live freely here.
• The length of the Gulf of Bothnia exceeds 700 km, and the width reaches 240. At the same time, the maximum depth is almost 300 meters, which makes it one of the deepest in Europe.
• The bottom of the Gulf of Bothnia in its northern part has risen by almost a meter over the last century. Scientists suggest that at this rate it will turn into a lake over the next 2000 years.
• The Gulf of Finland is home to two species of fish that are not found in any other body of water in the world. We are talking about Baltic cod and herring.
• The average water temperature in the Gulf of Finland in the Helsinki area is +15 degrees in mid-summer and about 0 in winter.

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Description of the country

Finland is the northernmost country in Europe. At least a third of this country is located above the Arctic Circle. Tourists are attracted by such interesting natural phenomena as polar day and polar night. National parks are created especially for tourists, most of which are created in Lapland. A culture of diverse active winter holiday in Finland is extremely high. In addition to the well-equipped ski and ski slopes Here you can ride a reindeer or dog sled. Winter horseback riding and ice rallying have become fashionable. One-day outings on motorized sleighs are very popular. As a rule, the routes are laid along the most picturesque places, during the trips, rests in nature or lunch in the Sami tent are organized. And of course, one of the pleasures is visiting the Finnish sauna. Her invigorating spirit is especially pleasant after completing a ski or other walk in the fresh air. A Finnish sauna is a mandatory attribute of Finnish resorts, both large and small. In addition, many hotels have their own water parks with “tropical” pools. Swimming in such a pool will give your holiday in these harsh latitudes a unique charm.

Geography

Finland is a country located in northern Europe, with total area 338 thousand sq. km. The northern part is located beyond the Arctic Circle. In the west, Finland borders with Sweden, in the north with Norway, and in the east with Russia. South coast washed by the waters of the Gulf of Finland. More than 2/3 of the country's area is covered with forests. In the west and south, Finland is washed by the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, respectively, and the coast is so indented with bays that the length of the coastline reaches 4,600 km.

Time

It is 1 hour behind Moscow.

Climate

Finland has four seasons that differ significantly from each other. Summer lasts approx. 3 months, from June to August. The most heat in summer approx. 25-30 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature is approx. 18 degrees. In June - July there may be a lot of mosquitoes, but currently there are a large number of ointments and aerosols that reliably protect against these annoying insects. The magnificently beautiful golden autumn of Ruska-ajka attracts numerous tourists to Finland. Snow usually falls in December and is heaviest in March. In Central and Northern Finland at this time there are good opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. In mid-summer in Lapland, tourists are interested in the polar day, when the sun does not set, and, accordingly, in winter - the polar night.

Language

Officially, Finland is bilingual: 92.9% call Finnish their native language, 5.8% say Swedish. About 1,700 people in Lapland speak Sami. Since Finnish is the native language of only 5 million people in the world, many Finns speak English, German or other European languages.

Religion

Christianity entered Finland about 1,100 years ago at approximately the same time from the west and east, resulting in the official status of both Evangelical Lutheran (86% of the population) and Orthodox (1%) religions.

Population

Currently, the population of Finland is slightly more than 5 million. There are many language groups in Finland: Finns, Swedes, living in Finland, (coastal areas, Åland Islands), Sami (Lapland) Romans (gypsies).

Electricity

The usual network voltage in Finland is 220 V. European standard sockets are used.

Emergency numbers

ambulance - 112
fire brigade - 112
police - 112 or 100-22
address help service (telephones, addresses) - 118

Connection

Direct communication with any country in the world is possible from any pay phone, which are located almost everywhere. You can make calls either using coins or using telephone cards, which are sold at newsstands (“R-kiosks”), in stores and at post offices. You can call abroad through various telephone companies by dialing 00, 990, 994 or 999, followed by the country code, area code and subscriber number. When calling to Finland 8 - beep - 10 - 358 - area code (without the first digit, usually 0) and the number of the called subscriber.

The main Russian operators have GPRS roaming. The number of Wi-Fi access points is gradually increasing. Regular access can be obtained from numerous internet cafes.

Currency exchange

Currency - euro. Banks are open Mon-Fri. from 9.30 to 16.30, at airports from 6.30 to 23.00, in the port of Helsinki-Katajanokka from 9.00 to 11.30, from 15.45 to 18.00, in the port of Turku from 8.00 to 11.30, from 19.30 to 21.30, exchange offices for central station in Helsinki open daily from 8.00 to 21.00.

Visa

Citizens of Russia and the CIS require a visa to visit Finland. Finland is a member of the Schengen Agreement. In Russia, a visa can be obtained from the consular section of the Finnish Embassy in Moscow, in Consulate General in St. Petersburg, as well as at the consulates of Murmansk and Petrozavodsk.

Customs regulations

The passenger has the right to bring into Finland without paying duty and taxes: 1 liter of strong drinks (more than 22%) or 2 liters of aperitifs (no more than 22%) or sparkling wines and 2 liters of weak wines and 15 liters of beer; 200 cigarettes or 100 small cigars (3 g each) or 50 cigars or 250 g of pipe and cigarette tobacco; 50 g perfume and 250 g eau de toilette; 100 g of tea or 40 g of tea extract or essence, 500 g of coffee or 200 g of coffee extract or essence.

Holidays and non-working days

1st of January - New Year; January 6 - Epiphany; March 28 - Good Friday; March 30-31 - Easter; May 1 - May Day; May 8 - Feast of the Ascension; May 18 - Trinity; June 20-21 - Midsummer's Day; November 1 - All Saints' Day; December 6 - Independence Day; December 24-25 - Christmas; December 26 is Giving Day.

As soon as summer comes, Finns go outdoors. And since there is little time allotted for the summer, the bright summer nights are dedicated to holidays. More than 1,500 different events are held annually, mostly from June to August. The festival repertoire ranges from chamber music in the village of Kuhmo to the film festival in SodankylK, from jazz festivals in Pori, Tornio or Kainuu to music and dance festivals in Kuopio. The culmination of all the celebrations is the Savonlinna Opera Festival. At the end of summer, festivals take place only in Turku, Tampere and Helsinki. At the end of August the program ends with a week-long festival in Helsinki. So, the summer program, which officially began on the eve of May 1st with the Vappu holiday in honor of students receiving matriculation certificates, ends with a festive week in Helsinki, and the Finns return to everyday life.

Transport

The Finnish State Railways are concentrated in the southern part of the country. Their total length is 5900 km, and only 1600 km are electrified. Although the system highways was expanded, and the private car fleet grew greatly in the 1960s and 1970s, the intensity traffic in Finland is still small compared to other Scandinavian countries. In summer, bus service is maintained up to the extreme northern regions. The length of highways reaches 80 thousand km. Shipping network waterways with a length of 6.1 thousand km, including canals between numerous lakes, it is of exceptional importance for passenger and freight transport. In winter, navigation through the canals is carried out with the help of icebreakers.

Tips

In hotels, restaurants and bars, tips are already included in the bill.

The shops

Due to the onset of the high tourist season, shops in Finland are once again switching to extended opening hours. Typically, shops in this country are open on Sundays only in the summer. The rest of the time, their opening hours are as follows: from 9.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 14.00 on Saturdays. Shopping centers are open from 9.00 to 21.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 18.00 on Saturdays. Now, in November and December, shops in Finland are also open on Sundays (including December 30), mostly from 12.00 to 21.00. On December 31, you will be able to shop from 07.00 to 18.00. On January 1, stores are usually closed.

National cuisine

They have breakfast early in Finland - at 7 o'clock in the morning. Breakfast is usually light: some prefer porridge or muesli in milk, but mostly limit themselves to a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of milk with sandwiches. At 11-12 o'clock there is a lunch break. In small towns people go home for dinner, and in the capital they go to a restaurant or cafe. For lunch, like As a rule, they eat one dish - either the “first” or the “second”. Most often, it is a thick soup or potatoes with meat. At lunch they eat bread and butter and drink milk. At 2 p.m. they drink tea. The working day ends at 16-17 hours, and at 17-18 hours Finns have dinner. Dinner is similar to lunch, only in reverse - if there was a liquid dish for lunch, then in the evening they prepare, for example, a casserole. And if you ate steaks and potatoes during the day, then soup is served for dinner.

Beer is one of the most popular drinks in Finland. Strong beer is available only in stores of the alcohol monopoly "Alko". Kotikalja - homemade beer brewed using water, maltose, sugar and yeast, containing a trace amount of alcohol, is a staple drink on every rural table. For a long time, the most popular wheat vodka in Finland remains the wheat vodka “Koskenkorva Viina” (38%) and “Koskenkorva Vodka” (60%) produced according to folk recipes. Liqueurs are made from natural fruit and berry liqueurs. A specific Finnish product is liqueurs with a strong aroma of northern forest berries: “Lakkalikoori” (cloudberry), “Puolukkalikoori” (lingonberry), “Karpalolikoori” (cranberry), “Mesimarijalikoori” (Arctic bramble). Champagne: The Finns make it by fermenting yellow currants and gooseberries. Finland does not produce its own wines, so wines have only gained popularity here over the past few years.

Attractions and resorts

Helsinki- the capital of Finland, a city surrounded by sea and islands, a city where nature and culture come into close contact. A quarter of Helsinki is made up of parks. Central Park runs through the entire city. The noise of departing ships and the aroma of the sea give Helsinki a special mood. Many of the sights of Helsinki, the architecture of the city, in which both eastern and western influences can be traced, are revealed to guests of the capital during walking tours. Architectural and historical Center city ​​- Senate Square with the majestic buildings of the Cathedral, University, Palace of the State Council - carries the spirit of Russian architecture and is crowned with a monument to Alexander II in the center of the square. IN summer time The area is used for numerous events. Literally 100 meters away, on the seashore, is the Market Square - the brightest and liveliest place in Helsinki. Here you can buy everything: from fruits and fish to a variety of Finnish crafts. From Trade area Esplanade Park begins with street lighting and many boutiques - the center of life in summer Helsinki. The excursion from the city center can be continued through the park area of ​​the shore of Töölönlahti Bay, a popular summer oasis among city residents. The Finlandia Palace (concert and congress complex) and the Finnish National Opera are located here. Among the maritime attractions of Helsinki, it will be interesting to see the island fortress of Suomenlinna, which is more than 250 years old, and the open-air museum on the island of Seurasaari.

Rovaniemi- the birthplace of Santa Claus, a city located right on the Arctic Circle - is deservedly considered one of the best centers winter sports in Finland. The city of Rovaniemi with a population of 35,000 inhabitants is the capital of Lapland. If you are interested in the culture and life of this northern region, be sure to come here, and you will not regret it: many exciting activities and all kinds of entertainment await tourists who come to Rovaniemi. The most interesting attraction in the region is Santa Park - a Christmas themed park. Entertainment Center. If you have children, then give them a fabulous meeting with Santa Claus, and perhaps you yourself will want to feel like a child for a moment and find yourself in a real fairy tale. Rovaniemi is the only place in the world where, after a walk, you will be given a real “license” to drive and drive a reindeer sled. If you get tired of skiing and snow safari, you can spend a day under the glass dome of the Arktikum Museum and get acquainted with exhibitions organized by the Arctic Science Center and the Regional Museum of Lapland, or visit the Arctic Zoo in Ranua (just an hour's drive from Rovaniemi ). Another attraction of Rovaniemi is the “Arctic Circle” sign at the northern entrance to the city, indicating the exact latitude of this imaginary line.

Turku - oldest city Finland, the first mention of it dates back to 1229. During Swedish rule, Turku was the capital of Finland. The area of ​​the city is 246 square meters. km, population 160 thousand people. Turku is the capital of the province of Western Finland and the center of the country's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Bishop of Turku is also the Archbishop of the entire country. Turku is a vibrant university city with a rich cultural tradition. Concerts and exhibitions are held here all year round. The Market Square and its surroundings are the heart of the city. There are large department stores and many small shops where tourists can buy souvenirs and gifts. The maritime center "Forum Marinum" invites everyone interested to purchase personal experience and information on shipping and its history. Cathedral in Turku is considered the country's national sanctuary. This is one of the most valuable architectural monuments Middle Ages. In the Aboa Vetus Museum, with the help of multimedia technology, you can get acquainted with the everyday life of the people who lived in this place several centuries ago.

Ylläs located in Western Lapland, close to the border with Sweden. Ylläs resort consists of two villages: Jakoslompolo on the northern slope of the hill and Ylläsjärvi on the southern slope. This is one of the most magnificent mountain tundras in Finland, on the slopes of which the most modern ski center in the North has been created, founded by enthusiasts back in the 50s, when not even a road was built here! Ylläs has a total of 33 downhill trails, varying in width and length. The slopes of Ylläs are so large that if you wish, you can find solitude here even in high season. Ylläs has the most extensive network of ski slopes among Finnish ski resorts, perfectly prepared by a special all-terrain vehicle.

Levi- one of the newest and most comfortable in Finland. In terms of the level and range of services, it is considered the best in the country. It has already been named “resort of the year” in Finland three times based on the results of the winter season. Levi is located 15 km from Kittilä airport, 50 km from the resort of Ruka. This resort resembles an Alpine resort more than other Finnish centers - all services are concentrated in the Lapland village, hotels are located in close proximity to the slopes. Since the construction of this center was planned very carefully, the nature here remained practically untouched. Perhaps that is why this is one of the favorite resorts not only foreign tourists, but also the Finns themselves.

Vuokatti is located in the very center of Finland, among beautiful lakes and forested hills. It is easily accessible by air, train, bus or by car. Three daily flights connect Helsinki with Kajaani Airport, from where the resort is just half an hour by car. This resort is characterized by a rare combination of all the elements of a winter holiday. First of all, this is the best service, a huge number of hotel rooms and numerous entertainments. Vuokatti is a town of 4 hotels and many cottages, restaurants and nightclubs, sports facilities and beaches, shopping centers and market. Tennis is very popular in Vuokatti, there are more than 30 courts, including outdoor and indoor courts. Ski slopes and the beautiful trails are deservedly popular among tourists.

Kuopio- one of the best places in the country for lovers of cross-country skiing and speed skating (the skating season begins at the end of January). More than 400 km of beautiful ski trails are laid here annually through the surrounding forests and on the ice of the frozen lake, some of which are illuminated in the evening. The ski stadium, conveniently located in the very center of the city on Mount Puyo, has numerous ski tracks that are ideal for both beginner skiers and experienced athletes who prefer more difficult sections. There are so many ski slopes in Kuopio that you can ski directly from your hotel door. And for skiers on Mount Puyo, there are two slopes: Puyo with a “black” slope (length 400 m, height difference 93 m) and Antikka with a “blue” slope (length 800 m, height difference 88 m).