10 interesting facts about Finland – a northern country with good ecology

Finland takes Albert Einstein’s wise words seriously:The man who never made a mistake, never tried anything new“. The country has declared October 13 National Failure Day to celebrate failure in life as a natural path to success.

Before heading out somewhere, it’s always good to have some background information about the country. This post contains 10 interesting facts about Finland to tell you more about its culture and history.

10 The first settlements on the territory of the country appeared in 8500 BC. uh

According to archaeological evidence, the area that now includes Finland, was first settled around 8500 BC. during the stone agewhen the ice sheet of the last ice age receded.

The earliest humans were probably hunter-gatherers living primarily off what the tundra and sea had to offer. Pottery has been known since about 5300 BC.

It is assumed and considered likely that Finno-Ugric speakers arrived in the area during the Stone Age and may even have been among the first Mesolithic settlers.

9. Divided into three main geographic regions

Finland can be divided into three regions: archipelagos and coastal lowlands, slightly higher central lake plateau and highlands to the north and northeast.

Bordering the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, as well as Sweden, Norway and Russia, Finland is the northernmost country in the European Union.

Most of the population and agricultural resources are concentrated in the south. Northern and eastern Finland are sparsely populated and have vast areas of wilderness. The taiga forest is the dominant vegetation type.

8. Finnish fathers spend more time with their children than mothers

Finland is the only country in the developed world where fathers of primary school children spend more time with their children than mothers.

The OECD report “In Pursuit of Gender Equality” shows that Finnish women care more about young children, but the situation changes when they reach school age.

A previous OECD report on work-life balance noted that many Finnish mothers use parental leave to stay at home when their children are very young, but return to full-time work when they get older.

Finnish fathers also tend to work full-time but play an active role in childcare outside of working hours.

7. 40 national parks

Finnish national parks are protected areas with unique natural features. Although they are an oasis of unspoilt nature, they offer many opportunities for recreation.

There are 40 national parks in Finland. They are scattered throughout the country’s archipelago, lakes, forests, peat bogs and clearings, and showcase various natural terrain features such as rapids, rift valleys and eskers.

In addition to enjoying the scenery and observing animals and plants, the parks provide ideal recreational opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing, snowshoeing and other outdoor activities.

6. Whooper swan – a symbol of the country

Whooper swans are very popular in Europe. Whooper swan is the national bird of Finland and depicted on the Finnish 1 euro coin.

5. Belongs to a number of countries with the best ecology

Finland provides many good examples of how to protect the environment. Comprehensive and detailed environmental information and a high level of technological excellence form the basis of Finland’s effective environmental policy.

As one of the wealthiest industrialized countries in the world, Finland can also afford vital investments in the environment. Finland’s low population density and relatively untouched natural environment also contribute to nature conservation.

The fruits of a successful environmental policy are clearly visible throughout the country. Many polluted lakes and rivers have been cleaned up. Air quality has improved significantly in industrial areas. An extensive network of protected areas has been established to protect biodiversity.

Forests, Finland’s most valuable natural resources, are managed more sensitively than in the past, and the overall annual growth rate clearly exceeds the total timber harvest.

4. Residents are almost non-religious

Statistics Finland reports that one in four Finnish people do not belong to any registered religious community.

Thirty percent of men are not affiliated with any religion, compared to 23 percent of women. The largest group of non-religious people is 30-39 years old, of which 40 percent do not belong to a registered religion. In 2000, only 15 percent of this age group had no religious affiliation.

3. Developed winter tourism

It almost always snows in January and February in northern and eastern Finland. Even if there is little snow in Helsinki, the ski slopes of Lapland often get up to a meter or more.

The snow season in northern Finland starts in November and lasts at least until May. In the hinterland of southern and central Finland, the first snow falls in early December and melts in late March and April.

The northern lights dancing above are such a powerful and unique natural phenomenon that is changing life on Earth. Finland is considered one of the best places to find it.

During the long days of March and April in Lapland, you can ski or toboggan from 12 to 16 hours under the bright sun. The best ski season in Lapland starts in February and lasts until May.

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, try skiing under magical moonlight during the darkest days of “kaamos” in December and January.

2. The first country in the world to introduce the concept of “patient’s rights”

According to the Finnish constitution, public authorities must guarantee respect for civil liberties and human rights. The Patients’ Status and Rights Act sets out these constitutional rights in relation to healthcare in more detail.

Every person permanently residing in Finland has the right to receive such medical care as his/her medical condition requires. Treatment will be provided in accordance with the resources currently available to the health service.

The patient has the right to expect good quality in healthcare. The patient must be treated in such a way that their beliefs and confidentiality are respected and their dignity goes unpunished.

The native language, culture and individual needs of the patient should be taken into account, whenever possible, in his/her treatment.

1. One of only three countries to be named “Design Capital”

Finland is one of three countries that have been awarded the title of World Design Capital. Helsinki was named World Design Capital in 2012.

Separate documents state that Finland also boasts some of the biggest names in design, including Marimekko, Fiskars, Aarikka, Arabia, Nokia, Alvar Aalto, Iittala, Kalevala, Jopo and Artek. Even the Guggenheim Foundation wants to establish a museum in Helsinki