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Findland |
Country Info |
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Finland is a country in Northern Europe. The capital of Finland is Helsinki. The currency of Finland is the Euro (EUR). Finnish and Swedish are the official languages of Finland. Most people in Finland speak Finnish. The most important cities in Finland are Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Lahti, Kuopio, Jyväskylä and Pori. Finland is a major welfare state. Welfare states have very high taxes, but free health care, education, and welfare for people without work. The people of Finland are called Finns. The most important parties that Finnish people celebrate are Midsummer and Christmas. Santa Claus is an old Finnish tradition, although later Coca-Cola company introduced him to the world. |
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Major Cities |
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Helsinki: Helsinki is the capital of Finland. It is also the country's largest city. Considered as Finland's international gateway, Helsinki is the country's nerve center for business, finance, fashion, medicine, entertainment, media, culture and intellectual discourse. Helsinki is one of the fastest growing urban centers in the European Union.
Oulu: Oulu is a Finnish city and municipality in the Oulu Province. Tietomaa, Ainola Park- a former University botanical garden, Rotuaari Pedestrian Street, the Market Square with the City Library, the City Theatre and old salt storehouses, Mannerheim Park, The Linnanmaa University Botanical Garden and Hupisaaret are the main entertainment places in the city. Although a major fire destroyed much of the city in 1822, it was rebuilt and became the largest and most important city in Northern Finland and the sixth largest city in the country.
Tampere: Tampere is a city in Finland. It was founded in1775 as a market place around Tammerkoski River by Gustav III of Sweden. The city has become the second most important urban center in the country and the biggest inland city in the Nordic countries. Särkänniemi amusement park that contains a dolphinarium and a revolving restaurant fascinates the tourists. It also has Näsinneula tower, which is regarded as the landmark of the city.
Turku: Turku is the capital of the region of Finland Proper and the Province of Western Finland. The city derived its name from an old Russian word, turgu, which means "market place". It also attained the status of capital city. There are numerous museums like the Turku Art Museum, Jean Sibelius museum- the only museum in Finland that specializes in music. Turku Castle is a historically important site in the city. |
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Tourist Attraction |
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The Island Fortress of Suomenlinna: The 18th century Fortress of Suomenlinna is a must-see on any trip to Finland. It is located on an island at the entrance to Helsinki harbour and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Treasure since 1991. The unique fortress is a fine example of European military architecture. Besides being a being a historical site and tourist attraction, Suomenlinna is also a well-loved recreation area for Helsinki citizens. With 900 permanent inhabitants, Suomenlinna remains a lively island with an impressive array of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes to keep you occupied!
St. Olaf's Castle, Olavinlinna: Balanced on the edge of a tiny green island in a lake, this beautiful 500-year-old castle resembles something from a fairytale. Founded in 1475, it is comprised of the main castle as well as three towers and a bailey with a surrounding wall reinforced by towers. It is among Finland's most well-known tourist attractions. There is a very interesting orthodox museum in the castle grounds displaying Russian Orthodox artifacts from Finland and Russia.
The King's Road: The King's Road is the historical route between the old northern capitals of Oslo, Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg. Dating back to the 13th century, the ancient road winds along the Finnish southern coastline past castles, manor houses and frame cottages. Originally, the King's Road served as an important connection between the powerful kingdoms of Sweden and Russia. Today, it is a remarkable testament to history. Taverns and inns that offered refuge to the weary traveler are still intact. Old stone churches and iron mills also remain.
The Åland Islands: The Åland Islands are a unique, self-governing set of islands off the Finnish coast. With their own distinct culture, flag and postage stamps, they are dotted with medieval churches and old-world fishing villages and are particularly ideal for get-away-from-it all cycling, camping and cabin holidays.
Turku: Turku is the oldest and most fascinating of Finland's medieval towns. Once the capital of Finland, this 750-year-old town has a fully restored 13th-century castle which is now a Viking museum. Its medieval Gothic cathedral is one of the most impressive in Finland. The Handicrafts Museum is located in the quaint old town where most of original medieval houses still stand. Make sure to visit the thirty workshops which represent different trades and that tell the story of the old professions. If you happen to visit near Christmas, Turku is regarded as Finland's Christmas City. In the old great square at 12 noon every Christmas Eve, a crowd of several thousand people gather to listen to the proclamation of a Christmas peace declaration which has resounded throughout Finland since the middle ages.
Arktikum Science Museum: The Arktikum is an award-winning multi-disciplinary science museum depicting life in the Arctic region. The museum is divided into two areas - The Arctic Centre and the Provincial Museum of Lapland. The Arctic Centre interprets nature and local life in the far north. The Provincial Museum of Lapland looks at the Lapp wilderness as well as the cultural heritage it has moulded. Discover how ordinary Lapps live in austere surroundings of the Arctic. There are lots of interactive audio-visuals as well as some really captivating exhibits.
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