Finland
Finland
- Capital
- Helsinki
- Population
- 5,530,719
- Region
- Europe
- Languages
- Finnish, Swedish
Finland has a unique culture of competitive 'eccentric sports,' including the world championships for wife-carrying and mobile phone throwing. This quirky spirit extends to their infrastructure, as the country contains over three million saunas, which is more than the total number of private cars. It was also the first nation in the world to make broadband internet access a legal right for every citizen. The concept of 'Sisu' describes a national psychological grit that defines the Finnish character during difficult times.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro, denoted by the ISO code EUR. Before adopting the Euro in 2002, Finland used the Markka, which was originally introduced in 1860 as a way to establish financial independence from the Russian Empire.
Flag symbolism
The Finnish flag, known as Siniristilippu, features a blue Nordic cross on a white field, following a design tradition shared by several northern neighbors. The white background represents the deep snow that covers the land for much of the year, while the blue symbolizes the thousands of lakes and the clear sky. Its cross represents Christianity, but also signifies the country's historical and cultural unity with the other Nordic nations. Unlike many older flags, this design was officially adopted shortly after Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917.
Emblem history
The coat of arms depicts a crowned gold lion brandishing a sword and trampling on a curved Russian saber, all set against a red field peppered with nine silver roses. This heraldic design dates back to the late 16th century when Finland was a Grand Duchy under the Swedish crown. The nine roses are often interpreted as representing the nine historical provinces of the region, although their number has varied over the centuries. The lion remains a powerful symbol of Finnish sovereignty and resistance against foreign intervention throughout its complex modern history.