List of countries in the world. Facts and information

Finland has repeatedly been among the top ten happiest countries in which to live.

People in the country love the sauna. They visit it on holidays and weekends with family, colleagues, etc. In the past, Finns even gave birth in the sauna. The whole family often goes to the sauna together.

Is it true that Finland is the most sparsely populated European country? Yes, it is; the population density is only 16 people per square kilometer.

The Finnish language is fast and lively. Sometimes, the Finns chatter so much that it is difficult to understand something. However, the Finns are calm and reasonable, which is probably why they are often called slow.

Elk and reindeer often become victims of cars, especially at night in winter. Therefore, reindeer herders began to spray the antlers of their reindeer with a spray that, when dry, becomes a reflective coating.

The locals are a fairly frost-resistant nation. Children are hardened from infancy. You can often meet people on the streets in the cold without a hat, with an open neck, and in sneakers.

The country has about 180,000 lakes, and forests cover 75% of its territory.

In the cities of the country, you can quickly meet a hare, a relatively well-fed person who is not very shy. You will be woken up in the morning in many places by a pheasant's not-very-pleasant cry. In the northern cities of Finland, deer walk the streets.

Few locals pick mushrooms; they mostly prefer to buy chanterelles and champignons at markets and in stores. This is a fantastic fact since the country is covered with forests, which give people rich harvests of berries and mushrooms year after year.

The country's progressive tax system underscores its commitment to social welfare, with higher earners paying up to 52.5% in taxes. This approach promotes fair wealth distribution and is central to the country’s socio-economic structure.

Strong alcohol is sold only in Alko stores, and beer and cider are the only beverages available in regular stores.

February 14 is Ystävänpäivä - Friend's Day. On February 14, it is customary to congratulate not only your other half but also to remember your friends. This day was first celebrated in Finland in 1980 and only appeared on the calendar in 1996.

The local inhabotants have been in the Guinness Book of Records several times for the stupidest and strangest records. Every year, there are mobile phone-throwing competitions, wife-jogging, swamp soccer, beer rafting, naked 10-sports races, etc.

On average, there is one sauna per three people in the country.

Finland is the leader among EU countries in sweets consumption. Finns eat about 12-13 kg of sweets and chocolate per person yearly.

Finnish farmer Arvi Lehti invented clothing reflectors. His invention has saved people on the roads for over 50 years, preventing traffic accidents.

Finland is a Nordic country. Scandinavia includes three countries - Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Scandinavia often includes Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, bringing this term closer to the concept of Northern Europe.

In Finland, parents traditionally arrange a sweet day for their children on Saturdays.

Finns are extraordinarily punctual; their time is significant. If you have a meeting with a Finn, don't be late.

The country has seven national symbols: the brown bear, swan, lily of the valley, white birch, perch, granite, and ladybug.

Finland is the second country in the world after New Zealand, where women were given the right to vote and be elected in 1904.

The country was the first country in the world to pass a law in 2010 according to which the right of citizens to use the Internet is placed on an equal footing with the right to life, education, health protection, old-age pension, and social protection. Every citizen of Finland has the right to a free high-speed Internet connection, and providers are obliged to provide it, even if the client lives alone in a deep forest.

Itäkeskus — a shopping center located in Helsinki, is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe; it occupies an area of about 96,300 square meters, includes about 240 different shops (including about 30 cafes and restaurants), and has parking on 3000 machines.

Lake Saimaa (Saimaa), with an area of ????4,460 km2, is the largest lake in Finland but the fourth largest lake in Europe. The largest lake in Europe is Lake Venern in Sweden.

The sun does not set for 73 days, resulting in white nights, but in winter, the sun does not rise there for 51 days.

There are museums in Finland, such as the Museum of Chains and Handcuffs, the Spy Museum, the Museum of Coffee Cups, and the Museum of Refrigerators.

There is a monument to the Flying Finn—the legendary Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi. Nurmi won nine gold and three silver medals only at the Olympic Games, not counting victories in other championships.

Leipyayusto is a dish prepared from colostrum with the addition of deer and goat's milk. To the touch, it seems somewhat rubbery, which is why it has the name Finnish squeaky cheese.

Finland has a colorful, long history. Its citizens are famous for their kindness, decency, and ability to harmoniously combine work and leisure. Many people know about Finland thanks to saunas, snow skiing, and the northern lights.

Finland's education system is a beacon of excellence, recognized as one of the best in the world. The country's high literacy level and the system's focus on individualized approaches to each student are truly impressive and worthy of appreciation.