Finland takes Albert Einstein’s wise words seriously: “A man who never made a mistake, never tried anything new". The country declared October 13 National Day of Failure to mark failure in life as a natural path to success.
Before you go anywhere, it is always helpful 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 in the country appeared in 8500 BC. uh
According to archaeological evidence, the territory in which it now belongs Finland, was first inhabited around 8500 BC. during the stone agewhen the ice sheet of the last ice age receded.
The earliest people were probably hunter-gatherers, living mainly because of what the tundra and the sea could offer. Pottery has been known since about 5300 BC.
It is assumed and considered likely that the speakers of the Finno-Ugric language arrived in this area during the Stone Age and, perhaps, were even among the first Mesolithic settlers.
9. Divides into three main geographical regions
Finland can be divided into three areas: 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 extensive wildlife areas. Taiga forest is the dominant type of vegetation.
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 “Pursuing 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 the balance between work and personal life noted that many Finnish mothers use maternity leave to stay at home when the children are very young, but return to work full time when they are older.
Finnish fathers also tend to work full-time, but play an active role in caring for children after hours.
7. 40 national parks
Finnish national parks are protected areas with unique natural features. Although they are an oasis of pristine nature, they provide many opportunities for relaxation.
Finland has 40 national parks. They are scattered throughout the country's archipelago, lakes, forests, peat bogs and clearings, and demonstrate various natural features of the area, such as rapids, rift valleys and esquers.
In addition to enjoying the scenery and observing animals and plants, the parks provide ideal opportunities for recreation such as hiking, climbing, snowshoeing and other outdoor activities.
6. Whooper Swan - a symbol of the country
Whooper swans are very fond of in Europe. Whooper Swan is Finland's national bird and is depicted on a Finnish coin of 1 euro.
5. Belongs to a number of countries with better ecology
Finland provides many good examples of how to protect the environment.. Extensive and detailed environmental information and a high level of technological excellence form the basis of Finland's effective environmental policy.
As one of the richest industrialized countries in the world, Finland can also afford vital environmental investments. Finland's low population density and relatively untouched natural environment also contribute to the conservation of nature.
The fruits of successful environmental policies are clearly visible throughout the country. Many polluted lakes and rivers have been cleared. 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 total annual growth rate clearly exceeds the total amount of timber harvested.
4. Residents are almost non-religious
Statistics Finland reports that one in four Finnish people does not belong to any registered religious community.
Thirty percent of men are unrelated to any religion, compared with 23 percent of women. The largest group of non-religious people is the age of 30-39 years, of which 40 percent do not belong to a registered religion. In 2000, only 15 percent of this age group did not practice any religious affiliation.
3. Winter tourism is developed
In January and February, it is almost always snowing in northern and eastern Finland. Even if there is little snow in Helsinki, it is often up to a meter or more on the ski slopes of Lapland.
The snow season in northern Finland begins in November and lasts until at least May. In the inner regions of southern and central Finland, the first snow falls in early December and melts in late March and April.
The aurora borealis dancing above is such a powerful and unique natural phenomenon that changes life on Earth. Finland is considered one of the best places to discover it.
During the long days of March and April in Lapland, you can ski or sled from 12 to 16 hours under the bright sun. The best ski season in Lapland begins in February and lasts until May..
If you are looking for something more exotic, try skiing under the magical moonlight on the darkest days of the Kaamos in December and January.
2. The first country in the world to introduce the concept of “patient rights”
According to the Finnish constitution, state bodies must guarantee respect for civil liberties and human rights. The Patient Status and Rights Act sets out these constitutional health rights in more detail.
Every person permanently resident in Finland has the right to receive the medical care that his / her medical condition needs. Treatment will be carried out in accordance with the resources currently available to the health service.
Patient has the right to expect good quality in healthcare. The patient must be treated in such a way that his 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, when possible, during his / her treatment.
1. One of the three countries that received the title “Design Capital”
Finland is one of the three countries that have been awarded the title of World Design Capital. In 2012, Helsinki was named the World Capital of Design.
Some documents say that Finland also boasts some of the largest names in the field of 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