Religion in Finland
About 87% of the inhabitants of Finland are adherents of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. It is the state religion, however, like Orthodoxy, although it is practiced by only 1% of the population.
Transport in Finland
Bus service is developed within the country. Helsinki also has trams and a metro. Tickets for any of these vehicles can be purchased at newsstands or directly on the subway, from the driver on the tram or bus. One trip will cost 1-1.5 Euro. A ticket for 10 trips costs about 12 Euros. The metro operates from 5 o’clock to 23.
The whole country is entangled in a dense network of railways, especially the suburbs of Helsinki. A train ticket for 3 days costs about 85 Euros, for 10 days – 160 Euros. Children under 6 years of age are entitled to free travel. Children from 6 years old, teenagers under 17 years old and passengers over 65 years old receive a 50% discount. Families of at least three people also enjoy discounts (about 20%).
Since the country has a fairly long sea coast, and it also has a large number of lakes and rivers, sea transport is also well developed. Luxury ships, boats, yachts and sometimes just motor boats will be delivered to any corner of the country. They go according to the schedule, which is strictly observed.
Domestic airlines are represented by Finnair. The largest airport – Vantaa – is located 20 km north of Helsinki. It can be reached by bus, train or taxi. A taxi ride will take about 30 minutes and cost 20-30 Euros. In general, the cost of a taxi ride is different at different times of the day. The initial price usually does not exceed 5 Euros. Both cash and credit cards are accepted for payment.
For convenience, you can rent a car. To do this, you must have a driver’s license, driving experience of at least one year and a passport. A deposit is required for the use of the car. Most companies only accept credit cards for payment.
Plant and Animal World in Finland
Most of the country is occupied by taiga forests, mostly coniferous. However, in the southern regions one can find maple, elm, ash, etc. Such large animals as bear, wolf, wolverine and lynx live in the taiga. The world of birds is diverse, there are black grouse, capercaillie, hazel grouse and many others.
Minerals in Finland
The country is rich in various ores: copper, iron, vanadium, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc. Of the non-metallic minerals, there are large reserves of asbestos, talc, graphite, and apatite.
Banks in Finland
Banks are open on weekdays from 9:15 to 16:15. They are closed on weekends and holidays.
Money in Finland
The official currency of Finland is the Euro. One Euro is equal to 100 cents. There are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 Euros, coins in denominations of 1, 2 Euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents.
You can exchange currency in banks that are open on weekdays from 9:15 to 16:15. Here is the best rate. You can also do this at exchange offices (they work seven days a week) at airports, ports, railway stations, post offices, hotels and large department stores.
The network of ATMs is very developed, you can cash out money in them. You can pay with credit cards in many shops, restaurants, hotels and even taxis.
Rate: 1 Euro (EUR) = 1.05 USD
Political State in Finland
According to politicsezine, Finland is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, he is elected for a term of 6 years. Parliamentary elections are held by secret ballot every 4 years.
Population in Finland
About 5.1 million people live in Finland. Most of them are Finnish (93%). Also on the territory of this country you can meet the Swedes (6%), the Saami people and the Karelian peoples.
Language:
There are two official languages: Finnish and Swedish.
Cuisine in Finland
Finnish cuisine is rich in a variety of fish dishes. First of all, these are all kinds of soups: ear, salmon soup “lohikeitto”, soup “calakeitto”, they are all cooked in milk. Of the second courses, you should try trout or salmon in its own juice – “graavi kiryelohi” or “graavi lohi”, baked salmon, potato and herring casserole “kalalaatikko”, soaked cod “lipeakalla”. Fish salads “rosoli”, “salamat”, freshwater fish caviar with sour cream and onion “mati”, pies with fish and bacon “kalakukko” and sour dough pies with raw fish will be a great addition to dinner.
Reindeer, elk and game dishes are very popular here: venison roast, lamb stewed in wooden pots, Karelian meat,
For dessert, you should try sweet pulla buns, pancakes with various fillings from northern berries.
Of the drinks, Finns prefer coffee. It is worth trying wonderful kissels. Of the alcoholic drinks, liqueurs infused with wild berries and herbs, vodka “Finland” and homemade beer “kotikalya” are very popular.
