37 Facts About Finland: Know About Culture, Historical Data, Surprising Facts

Finland is a Nordic welfare state that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. It is also the world’s happiest country. Around 75% of its surface is covered in forests, and it is home to the world’s largest archipelago, popularly known as the Northern Lights. Europe’s largest lake district, and the last untamed wilderness, Lapland. The Finnish capital, Helsinki, is well-known for its design and architecture. Finland is also a safe travel destination. Read this blog to learn more interesting facts about Finland and its culture, education, food, and more.

Unknown Facts About Finland’s Culture

Here are some facts about Finland’s culture and the people of Finland:

1. Finland has consistently been ranked as the happiest country in the world, attributed to factors such as a strong welfare system, access to nature, and a focus on healthy living.
2. The Wife Carrying World Championship and the Air Guitar Championship are some of the unusual competitions that the country hosts.
3. Expectant mothers in Finland receive a “baby box” from the government, which serves as a starter kit for newborns and doubles as a crib. This initiative has contributed to Finland’s low infant mortality rate.
4. The people of Finland are the highest consumers of coffee. Averaging 5-8 cups per day.
5.  With over 2 million saunas in a country of about 5.5 million people, sauna culture is central to Finnish life, serving as a place for relaxation and socialising.
6. Everyman’s Rights is a principle that allows Finns to roam freely in nature, pick berries and mushrooms, and camp on uncultivated land, reflecting a deep connection to the outdoors.
7. Finnish culture is characterized by its unique language (Finnish) and Indigenous heritage, which are influenced by various ethnic groups and historical powers like Sweden and Russia.
8. The name day tradition is a tradition in Finland that is celebrated in addition to birthdays. Finns celebrate name days and are marked by gatherings that typically include coffee and cake.
9. The Finnish lifestyle emphasises outdoor activities, with a strong cultural connection to nature, including forest schools for children that focus on learning in natural settings
10. Finland is home to various minority groups, such as the Sámi and Swedish-speaking Finns, who maintain their cultural identities.

Also read: 21 Interesting Facts About Nepal Country for Kids

Historical Facts About Finland

Finland’s history is a mix of traditional and ancient culture, and it’s independence from Russia. Let’s have a look at some of the historical facts about Finland:

11. Finland was first settled around 9000 BC after the last Ice Age by hunter-gatherers who left behind artefacts shared with Estonia, Russia, and Norway.
12. The Corded Ware culture introduced agriculture to southern coastal Finland between 2500 and 3000 BC.
13. Finland became part of Sweden in the 13th century. 
14. The Swedish border became part of Eastern Finland in the 17th century.
15.  Finland was conquered by Russia in 1808–1809 during the Finnish War.
16. The Finnish national movement gained momentum during the Russian period.
17. Finland declared independence in 1917 following the Russian Revolution, fighting a civil war in 1918.

Also read: 60+ Interesting Facts about India

Surprising  Facts About Finland’s Education

Here are some surprising facts about the top-notch education system of Finland:

18. Finland’s education system has a comprehensive school system that provides nine years of compulsory education to children aged between 7 to 16.
19. Education from early childhood through higher education is free of charge in Finland.
20. The Finnish education system prioritizes student well-being and mental health, incorporating practices that promote a balanced lifestyle and reduce stress among students.
21. The Finnish system promotes inclusive education, integrating students with special needs into regular classrooms and providing necessary support to ensure all students can grow.
22. After completing basic education, students can choose between general upper secondary education or vocational education.
23. The Finnish National Agency for Education provides a National Core Curriculum that guides educational content and teaching methods.
24. Finland encourages lifelong learning through various adult education programs, allowing individuals to continue their education and skill development throughout their lives.

Also read: Know These 20 Facts About Thailand Before Visiting

Facts About Finland’s Food

Finland’s food culture is a unique blend of tradition and natural resources, reflecting its geographical and historical influences. Renowned for its clean flavours, Finnish cuisine heavily features ingredients like fresh fish, root vegetables, and berries. Here are some facts about Finnish food:

25. Salmiakki, a unique Finnish treat, is salty liquorice flavoured with ammonium chloride, making it a polarizing snack.
26. Finland has some of the highest food safety standards in the world, ensuring that local ingredients and dishes can be enjoyed without any doubt.
27. Finnish cuisine has been shaped by its history, including influences from Sweden and Russia.
28. Finland is home to a variety of wild berries, such as lingonberries and cloudberries, which are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
29. Finnish cuisine includes traditional methods of preserving fish, such as smoking and pickling, which were historically used to sustain food supplies during long winters.

Also read: 14 Interesting Facts about Bangladesh 

Fun Facts for Finnish Tourists

Finland is a beautiful destination filled with unique experiences and cultural wonders. From stunning natural landscapes to rich traditions, tourists can discover fascinating facts that highlight the charm of this Nordic gem. Here are some fun facts for Finnish Tourists: 

30. Finland has a wide range of attractions for tourists, from historical sites like the Suomenlinna Fortress to natural wonders such as Lake Saimaa and the Åland Archipelago.
31. The Aurora Borealis, popularly known as the Northern Lights, is one of Finland’s most famous natural phenomena, best viewed in Lapland between September and March, attracting many visitors seeking this breathtaking spectacle. 
32. Located in Rovaniemi, the Santa Claus Village is a popular tourist destination, featuring activities like reindeer sleigh rides and visits to Santa Claus himself.
33.  Finland is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledging, particularly in regions like Levi and Rovaniemi.
34. Finland hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Helsinki Festival, which showcases music, theatre, and art.
35.  Finland’s commitment to Everyman’s Rights helps tourists to freely explore nature, including hiking, camping, and berry-picking.
36. Tourists can experience unique stays, such as igloo hotels and glass cabins, particularly in Lapland, where visitors can sleep under the stars.
37. Finland is highly recognized for its eco-tourism initiatives, encouraging sustainable travel practices, and promoting the conservation of its natural environment.

FAQs

Related Reads

Top 10 Largest Country In The World By Area	26 Fantastic Facts About Spain	101 Interesting Facts about Canada
50 Interesting Facts about USA	100 Interesting Facts about Australia	31 Interesting Facts About India’s Geography
100 Interesting Facts About UK	100 Interesting Facts About New Zealand!	100 Interesting Facts About Germany

Hope you had fun reading these facts about Finland. If you like reading about facts, you can visit our interesting facts page to read more such blogs.