Finland: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Finland

Finland is a northern European country of forests and lakes, stretching into the Arctic in Lapland. Winters are long and snowy, and summer nights are very bright. It is known for saunas, the northern lights and the Moomins.

About Helsinki

Helsinki sits on a peninsula and hundreds of islands along the Gulf of Finland. It is known for modern design, Helsinki Cathedral and the island sea fortress of Suomenlinna.

Fun facts about Finland

1. Finland has more than 180,000 recorded lakes, which is why it is called the land of a thousand lakes.
2. Finland has around three million saunas, and its sauna culture is on UNESCO's list of intangible heritage.
3. About three-quarters of Finland's land is covered by forest.
4. The Moomins, the friendly round-snouted troll family, were created by Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson.
5. Halti, on the border with Norway, is Finland's highest point at 1,324 metres.
6. The sea fortress of Suomenlinna, built on islands off Helsinki, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.