There Are More Saunas than Cars
The sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture, with each person visiting the sauna roughly once a week. In fact, there are over 3 million saunas in Finland — that’s more than there are cars in the entire country.
Finland is known for Design
Finland has consistently been on the cutting edge of design, with several Finnish designers and brands being internationally recognized for their innovative creations. The creative capital, Helsinki, was even named the World Design Capital in 2012 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.
Finland has the Most Heavy Metal Bands
With more than 50 heavy metal bands per 100,000 people, Finland holds the world record for the most heavy metal bands in the world, showcasing its unique music culture.
Finland has the Cleanest Air
Finland boasts the cleanest air in the world, a fact that reinforces its long-standing reputation for pristine nature and environmental care. The European Environment Agency confirmed it in 2019, after measuring the air's particulate matter across the globe.
The Northern Lights Are Common in Finland
In Lapland, the northernmost part of Finland, the Northern Lights appear on around 200 nights a year. This means that if you want to increase your chances of seeing this natural light show, Finland should be your destination of choice.
Mother’s Day is a National Holiday
Mother's Day in Finland isn't just acknowledged — it's a proper national holiday. Finnish people pay heartwarming tributes to the importance of motherhood on the second Sunday of May annually.
Finland is a Coffee Lover's Paradise
Finland takes the crown for being the world's biggest consumer of coffee. The average Finnish person consumes 12 kilos of coffee per year, which equates to about 3-5 cups of java daily.
Finland has More Forests Than Any European Country
Finland is the most forested country in Europe. Over 70% of its total land area is covered in forest, supporting Finland's cutting-edge timber industry and leaving plenty of room for outdoor exploration.
The Country Hosts Wife-Carrying Championships
One of the more peculiar Finnish traditions is the annual Wife-Carrying Championship in the central town of Sonkajärvi. This sport involves men carrying their wives (or any woman over the age of 17) through an obstacle-filled track.
Finnish Schools are Among the Best in the World
Finland's education system frequently outperforms other Western countries in the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) test. It emphasizes equality of opportunity for all, and teaching is one of Finland’s most respected professions.
There's One Reindeer Per Person
In Finnish Lapland, there are as many reindeer as people. These enchanting creatures roam freely and many of them participate in the annual Reindeer Racing Championships, a popular local event.
Finland is the Birthplace of Angry Birds
The globally successful mobile game, Angry Birds, was created by the Finnish company Rovio Entertainment. Despite the game's simple concept, it took the world by storm and put Finnish digital entertainment on the map.
Finnish Babies Sleep in Cardboard Boxes
In Finland, it's a tradition that every new mother is given a baby starter kit by the government. This kit includes various essential items and the box itself can even be used as a bed, demonstrating the high-level of care Finland provides its citizens from birth.
Finland has 188,000 Lakes
Known as the ‘land of a thousand lakes’, official estimates actually suggest the tally is higher — a lot higher. There are around 188,000 lakes in Finland, providing an impressive landscape and a multitude of recreational opportunities.
Finns Love Ice Cream
Despite its cold climate, Finland has one of the highest per capita ice cream consumption rates in the world. Irrespective of the season, Finns love getting their daily scoop of this delectable treat.
Finland was the First European Country to give Women the Right to Vote
In 1906, Finland became the first European country to grant women the right to vote. Also, it was the first nation in the world to elect women to parliament. This embodies the strong Finnish tradition of gender equality.
Espoo is the Second Biggest City
Although many foreigners might not have heard of it, Espoo is actually Finland's second biggest city. Espoo is also home to several major corporations, such as Nokia and Fortum.
The Country has a Burger Named After its President
In 2016, a fast food chain in Finland named a burger after Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, in recognition of his response to domestic and international challenges. A lively representation of Finnish humor and respect for their leader.
Finland has More Islands Than Any Other Country
Finland has more islands than any other nation in the world. An estimated 179,584 islands dot the country's Baltic coastline and nearly 188,000 lakes - another testament to the country's stunning natural beauty.
The Name "Finland" Means Land of Fins
The country's name, "Finland", means "land of the Fins". The term "Fins" in Finnish, (Suomi), refers to the native Sami people who have lived in the region since prehistoric times.
These 20 facts offer a glimpse into the unique and fascinating realm that is Finland. From its record-breaking frequency of saunas, captivating natural beauty, to its intriguing cultural traditions, Finland definitely stands out on the global stage.