Finland is a Nordic country situated in the Fino-Scandinavia region of northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the west, Russia to the east and Norway to the north, while Estonia is to the south across the Gulf of Finland. The capital of the country is Helsinki. About 5.3 million people live in Finland, with most of the population concentrated in the south of the country. It is the eighth largest country in Europe in extension and the least densely populated country in the European Union. The mother tongue of almost the entire population is Finnish, which is one of the Finno-Ugric languages ​​and is more closely related to Estonian.

The country was a part of Sweden and in 1809, an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire. The Declaration of Independence of Finland was made in 1917 and was followed by a civil war, wars against the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany and for a period of official neutrality during the Cold War. Finland joined the UN in 1955, the OECD in 1969, the European Union in 1995 and from the outset, it is part of the Eurozone. The country was ranked the second most "stable" in the world, after Denmark, in a survey based on social, economic, political and military indicators. The country had a relative delay in its industrialization process, remaining essentially agrarian until the 1950s. Subsequently, economic development was rapid and the country achieved one of the best levels of income and quality of life in the world as early as the 1950s. 1970. Between 1970 and 1990, Finland built a welfare state.

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Finnish

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Euro

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The necessary documentation for travel to Finland varies according to the country of origin.
For citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein just have a valid passport or identity card with photo / citizen's card.

No entry visa is required for stays up to 90 days, as Finland is a "Schengen" State.
 
All foreigners, except citizens of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden who wish to stay in Finland for more than three months need a visa / residence permit.

There are countries whose citizens are required to have a valid tourist visa to enter Finland.

Citizens of those countries may also travel to Finland if they have a residence permit or a long-stay visa issued by another EU country (with the exception of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania and Cyprus), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein.

Citizens of all other countries must be in possession of documents justifying the purpose and conditions of their stay and of sufficient financial resources for their stay during the period they intend to stay in Finland.
The documents that are needed to present vary according to the reason for the trip.
Taking into account the various conditions necessary for entry into Finland, it is suggested that you contact the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence of the visitor to check these requirements before starting your journey.

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Pure and quiet nature. Virgin forests and thousands of lakes sparkling. Midnight sun in the summer or the blue dusk of winter. The constant transformation of the seasons and the diversity of landscapes make Finland a fascinating place for a restful holiday - in a calm and spacious atmosphere. Finland is one of the safest destinations to travel, and offers many amusements to families traveling with children. In Finland, a modern country, design and cultural events are attractive and not to forget. The transport and other public services work impeccably, leaving good memories to those who visit.

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Finnish cuisine is notable for generally combining traditional dishes and fine cuisine prepared in a contemporary European style. Fish and meat play a prominent role in the traditional Finnish dishes of the western part of the country, while the eastern side dishes traditionally include various vegetables and mushrooms.

Finnish dishes often use whole grains (rye, barley, oats) and berries (blueberries and cranberries, and buckthorn). Milk and its derivatives like buttermilk are widely used as food, drink or in various recipes.

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The climate of Finland is extremely diverse due to the geographical location of the country, whose winter can last 180 days according to the region; the south is usually covered with snow for 3 to 4 months a year, and the north, up to 7 months. Winter is extremely harsh and can reach glacial temperatures, with lows up to -15 ° C in January and February to the south, and -30 ° C to the north. With the arrival of summer and midnight sun actions in Scandinavia, the average temperature is between +15 ° C and + 20 ° C.

In Finland, rains are mild and infrequent, with an average of 500 to 600 millimeters annually to the north and about 700 millimeters to the south.

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The safety conditions are good. Crime levels remain relatively low. However, you should observe the most basic security rules, keeping your personal belongings (luggage, passports and money) in a safe place.
 
The best attention during the most intense tourist season (Midnight Sun in the summer and Christmas) and in congested areas such as hotel, restaurant, train stations, airports, etc. In the last two years the Finnish police have warned of an unusual wave of robberies in hotel restaurants and cafeterias, as well as trains, especially at rush hour. Do not leave your wallet, cell phone, laptop or other belongings on a table or chair if you need to temporarily leave.

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In general, the Finnish health system is good.

Community rules apply. For EU citizens, it is convenient to have the European Health Insurance Card (CESD).

Although international vaccination certificates are not required of travelers, before traveling, make sure that all the appropriate vaccines are up to date.

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Cell phones
The use of mobile devices can be used if activated roaming has been activated, however, inform your operator of the cost of its use.

Internet
Finland is well served by Internet services, there are several cybers-cafes with high-speed connections.
In the case of having a laptop or laptop, there are many cafes that offer free Wi-Fi.

Electricity
The electricity is 220 Volts 50 Hz.
It is advisable to have a kit of adapters for the outlets.

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