Finland country profile

Finland became an independent state following the Russian revolution in 1917. Finland is one of the Member States of the European Union, having joined in 1995.

Suomen Tasavalta (Finnish) / Republik Finland (Swedish)

Finland, a country of forests and lakes, is perhaps best known for its unspoilt natural beauty. In the far north, the White Nights, during which the sun does not set, last for around 10 weeks of the summer. In winter the same area goes through nearly eight weeks when the sun never rises above the horizon.

As a result of the fact that Finland was a part of Sweden for seven centuries, (from the 12th century until 1809) some 6% of the population is Swedish-speaking. Finland became an independent state following the Russian revolution in 1917. Since this date Finland has been a republic. It has a one-chamber parliament whose 200 members are elected every four years.

The country has developed a modern, competitive economy, and is a world leader in telecommunications equipment. Main exports include telecoms equipment and engineering products, paper, pulp and lumber, glassware, stainless steel and ceramics.

Finnish food has been influenced by continental, Russian and Swedish cuisines. Traditional specialities include fish (especially salmon and turbot roe), as well as reindeer meat. Specific dishes to look for include karjalanpiirakka (rice or potato pastry) and kalakukko (fish and pork fat baked inside a loaf).

Official name: Republic of Finland

Area (km²): 338 000

Population: 5.30 million (2008); 5.32 million (forecast for 2009)

Capital: Helsinki

National holiday: 06 December

Currency: Euro

Date of joining: 01 January 1995

Head of state: Tarja Jalonen since 2000, reelected in 2006

Head of government: Matti Vanhanen Since April 2007 he has presided over a coalition government comprised of the Centre Party, the National Coalition Party, the Green League and the Popular Swedish Party.

GDP (millions €): 184 728 (2008); 179 184.8 (forecast for 2009)

GDP per capita in PPS: € 28 900 (2008)

Real growth rate of GDP: 1.0% (2008); -4.7% (forecast 2009)

Unemployment rate: 8.5% (June 2009)

National debt as % of GDP: 33.4% (2008)

Inflation: 0,6% (October 2009)

Public deficit/surplus as % of GDP: 4.2% (2008)

Source: Eurostat

http://www.president.fi

http://www.vnk.fi

http://www.valtioneuvosto.fi

http://formin.finland.fi

http://www.eduskunta.fi