Land & people
Area: 338,000 sq km
Capital: Helsinki
Population (July 2006 est.): 5,231,372
Official languages: Finnish, Swedish
Per capita GDP (2005 est.): $30,600
The seventh-largest country in Europe, the Republic of Finland or Suomen Tasavalta is neighboured by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east and Estonia to the south. While St. Petersburg is only about 350 kilometres away from Helsinki, Tallinn in Estonia can be reached in 90 minutes by fast ferry. The Baltic Sea provides a passage to Central and Eastern Europe.
The country is divided into six provinces or laani, namely Aland, Etela-Suomen Laani, Ita-Suomen Laani, Lansi-Suomen Laani, Lappi, and Oulun Laani.
Finland's landscapes are a glorious variation on the theme of forest and water, where the comforts of modern life are never far away.
Each region has its distinct character, from the wilds of Lapland to the inspiring lakes of the east to the archipelagos of the southwest and the lively attractions of Helsinki.
Useful addresses
- Embassy of Finland,
P.O. Box 3634, Abu Dhabi. Tel: 02-6328927; Fax: 02-6325063
- Finnish Tourist Board, Head Office
P.O. Box 625, 00101 Helsinki. Tel: 00358-106058000,
website: www.visitfinland.com
Passport/visa
Citizens of the Nordic countries do not need a passport or visa to enter Finland. EU nationals and citizens of Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland and Schengen Agreement countries can enter the country with a valid passport or a valid identity card. All other nationalities require a valid passport. For more information on entry requirements, please contact your nearest Finnish embassy or consulate.
Business hours
Banks are open Monday to Friday 9:15am to 4:15pm normally, though the office hours may vary regionally. Shops are open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Department stores and shopping malls are usually open till 8pm. Department stores and supermarkets are open on Sundays from June to August and in December; several convenience stores and small supermarkets are also open on Sundays year round.
Cash/credit cards
Traveller's cheques are accepted in banks, travel agencies and hotels. Foreign currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged in several currency exchange offices in Helsinki. Eurocheques are accepted in banks and some shops. All major credit cards such as Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard, Diner's Club and American Express, are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, department stores, petrol stations, taxis etc.
Getting around
The country has a superb network of domestic train, bus and air connections. More than 20 cities are linked by daily air services, as far north as Ivalo on the 67th parallel.
Buses are the principal mode of domestic and visitor traffic to more remote parts, although trains carry passengers efficiently along intercity routes right up to the Arctic Circle. There is a good highway and freeway network between city centres. Bicycles, an ideal way to explore the country especially during summer, can be hired in most towns.
Lake and river ferries operate over the summer period, and come in handy if you're walking or cycling around the country.
Tipping
Tips are customary only for hotel and restaurant doormen and porters. A service charge is automatically included in all hotel and restaurant bills. Hairdressers and taxi drivers do not expect tips.
GETTING THERE
Well-connected
There are excellent flight connections to Finland from all over the world.
Finnair and SAS have scheduled flights to Helsinki from most major European cities, as well as from New York, San Francisco, Cairo, Bangkok, Singapore, Beijing, Sydney and Tokyo.
Several other international airlines offer regular flights to Helsinki. The Helsinki- Vantaa Airport, located 18km north of Helsinki, is the hub for global air traffic.
Land crossings into Finland from Sweden and Norway are hassle-free, serviced by frequent buses and trains.
The Trans-Siberian Railway connects Europe to Asia, although its popularity has declined in recent years. Impressive Baltic ferries run from Sweden, Estonia and Germany to Helsinki and Turku.
