Finland, officially known as the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe bordering Sweden, Norway and Russia. It has been a member of the European Union since 1995 and is best known for its unspoilt natural beauty, with two thirds of its area being covered by forest.
Finland has a developed mixed economy with the service sector making up 60%, and manufacturing 31%, of its economy. Its GDP is estimated to be worth £250 billion, with a noticeable growth above many other EU countries. It is one of the world’s largest producers of wood and raw materials, with trade within the EU being worth 60% in total. The country also performs highly in national performance areas such as education, economic competitiveness, quality of life and human development. The largest industry in the country is electronics at 22% with companies such as Nokia basing their headquarters in Espoo, Finland.
Tourism brought around 7.6 million tourists to Finland in 2012 and the industry provides over 60,000 jobs. Finland has long summer days, ideal for fishing and canoeing in many of the country’s lakes. There are also tourist destinations such as museums and winter sports are provided by the downhill ski resort at Saariselkä.
The capital, Helsinki, offers many serviced apartments ideal for business and corporate travellers. With a range of apartment types, they can accommodate to individual needs and are often located near public transport options, should you need to travel around the country. Many apartments come with facilities such as fully equipped kitchens and a free internet connection.
Key Facts
Capital: Helsinki
Population: 5.5 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Dominant religion: Christianity
Language: Finish/ Swedish
Time zone: (UTC+2)
Main exports: Machinery and electronic products
Internet domain: .fi
International dial code: +358