Finland: form of government, general information. The sea in Finland: beaches, islands, attractions, recreation Economic and geographical position of the country

Residents of northern countries and regions really lack the sea and heat. 11 months a year we are looking forward to summer, dreaming about the opportunity to go to the sea. And the sea is very close, just as salty, endless, caressing and soothing, with incredible views and fabulous beauty in places. Welcome to the seaside of Finland!

Photo: VisitFinland.com. Yyteri beach

Perhaps the Baltic Sea does not immediately come to mind in dreams of summer, but believe me, this northern sea can surprise and give unforgettable impressions of a summer holiday on the coast. Moreover, it is so easy to get to it, even for a short weekend vacation, and have a small picnic on the shore, bask on hot stones or soak up the white sand.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

So, let's dream a little about summer and imagine the perfect seaside vacation on the coast in Finland.

1. COTTAGE BY THE SEA

The coast of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea is literally strewn with beautiful, cozy cottages and summer cottages. Some of them are rented to tourists. This is surprising, but for many, Finland is associated with lakes, but the Finns themselves love their sea with all their hearts and every summer they try to spend a small vacation on the coast, or at least a few times during the summer to have a picnic on the shore.

Photo: VisitFinland.com. KLOVHARUN island.

This small hut on the island of Klovharun is the secret place of Tove Jansson, the famous Finnish writer and creator of the Moomin fairy tales. Here she hid for the summer, on a stone island in the middle of the sea, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Everything she needed to inspire her was here. Currently, the island is open to tourists for a very short time in the summer due to weather conditions, bird nesting season, and the fact that this place is reserved most of the time by artists as a residence of inspiration.

COTTAGES ON THE COAST OF THE GULF OF FINNISH AND THE BALTIC SEA IN FINLAND:

2. BEACHES ON THE COAST OF FINLAND

The sea coast stretches along Finland for many hundreds of kilometers. There must be great beaches here, right? All right! And there are beaches for every taste.

Want to stone, harsh, northern beaches that heat up under the rays of the sun and which are so nice to warm up after swimming? Please, there are a huge number of such beaches in the eastern part of Finland and the Gulf of Finland.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

Do you want clean sandy beaches with a gentle entry into the water? Beaches surrounded by pine forests? Please, starting from the city of Hanko and further west, the coast of the Baltic Sea in many places turns into long sandy strips and dunes. Even the city of Helsinki has some great sandy beaches for sea lovers.

Photo: VisitFinland.com. (c)_Jussi_Hellsten

3. ISLANDS, ISLANDS, ISLANDS...

The sea coast of Finland boasts the largest archipelago in the world. According to some estimates, there are about 70,000 islands in Finland. There are no islands here! There are islands inhabited and completely wild, stone without a single tree, or islands with lush forests. Islands that were chosen by seals or birds. Islands that people have chosen and set up small campsites, restaurants and recreation areas on them. There are islands that can be reached by ferry, and there are islands that can only be reached by boat. And there are such amazing islands as.

So on the islands you can relax not only in the Maldives, but also in Finland! Moreover, in Finland you can choose as an island for luxury holiday, and a more modest version, like Tove Jansson.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

4. LIGHTHOUSES

There are about 50 lighthouses on the Finnish coast of the Baltic Sea. About a third of the Finnish lighthouses are currently open to tourists and are a maritime attraction. The lighthouse islands are home to restaurants, cafes, saunas and accommodation options, usually in a lighthouse hotel. The unique location of the lighthouse islands in the sea guarantees guests peace and quiet, the pristine sounds of the sea and unity with the natural elements.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

It really is an incredible feeling. On a sunny day, it's nice to walk around the island, swim, climb to the top of the lighthouse and imagine the sailors peering into the distance hoping to see the signal light.

And on a bad day, when the elements are raging, driving a wave ashore, the sea is worried and bubbling, the wind whistles around, a person understands what a grain of sand he is against the mighty forces of nature. And it becomes a little creepy, but at the same time it is so nice to realize the safety and support under your feet, being at such moments on solid ground, and not in the sea.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

5. FERRIES

Finland has a very developed network free sea ferries(or "maritime mobile bridges"). In the Turku archipelago, many islands are connected by similar car ferry platforms. Also, some islands with attractions can be reached by such a ferry.

In the Turku archipelago, you can make a circular route around the islands and visit all the most important natural attractions and interesting places. On the ferry, you can travel with a car, by bike or just on foot.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

If there is no free crossing to the island of the archipelago that interests you, then most likely you can find a ferry route of a slightly different design and for a not very large fee. In any case, whichever itinerary through the islands is chosen, exceptional views and unforgettable experiences are guaranteed.

6. MARINE COASTAL CITIES

Old wooden towns and fishing villages on the coast give a special charm to the Finnish coast of the Baltic Sea. Life here, especially in summer, is amazing and soulful: small craft markets with handicrafts where you can find unique gizmos, small cafes and restaurants with local cuisine and pastries, village shops and souvenir shops, local events, holidays and small festivals, - all this creates an amazing atmosphere that cannot be found in any other part of Finland.

Photo: VisitFinland.com. Photo (c)_Jussi_Hellsten

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

7. Sunsets and sunrises. STORM AND STALM

Incredibly beautiful sunsets can only be seen on sea ​​coast. Every day the sunset will be different, but always beautiful and mesmerizing.

Dawn is also nice to meet on the shore, listening to the sounds of the sea, which whispers what the coming day will be like. A cup of hot aromatic coffee with a fresh bun will only complement this harmony.

Resting on the sea coast of Finland, you can observe the natural elements with the curiosity of a researcher: storms, cyclones, winds, calms, clouds.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

8. BIRD AND NERPA WATCHING

The Finnish coast of the Baltic Sea is an ideal place for nesting birds. Many migratory birds return here year after year. In summer, they nest on the islands of the archipelago and breed their offspring.

The barnacle goose is especially popular in Finland. This large bird can be seen in large numbers on the streets and parks of Helsinki, as well as on all nearby islands.

Walking around Helsinki in May-June, be careful! If a large black-and-white goose approaches you, flaps its wings menacingly, sticks out its tongue and hisses, and also tries to pinch your leg, know that its spouse is hatching eggs somewhere nearby and it is better to stay away from this place.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

The Baltic Sea is inhabited by the cutest creatures - seals. Many small stone islands of the archipelago are favorite habitats of seals on land. A small island from afar may seem alive and moving, but if you look closely, it is surprising how every centimeter of the stone island is occupied by these funny creatures. By the way, the seal is quite curious and can swim up to the boat and examine the fisherman, as well as climb the island next to people if they do not make a lot of noise.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

9. SEA FISHING

And of course, fishing in the Gulf of Finland and sea fishing in the Baltic Sea is an obligatory attribute of a holiday in Finland on the coast. There are many companies in Finland that organize sea fishing on equipped boats with all the necessary gear. You can try fishing luck yourself both from the shore and from the boat. Own sea catch! What could be nicer? Is it just a cooked fragrant dinner of freshly caught fish.

Photo: VisitFinland.com.

If you are told that there is no seaside vacation in Finland, believe it. In principle, it is not customary to go here for the sake of a brown tan and white sand. For this there is Spain, Greece and Bulgaria. You are unlikely to buy a special tour to Finland with a seaside vacation. But attention - the beaches are here. Including marine. And they rest.

Holidays on the beaches of Finland are designed for tourists who prefer a mild climate without an aggressive sun, and frankly cool water. The beach season lasts from June to September. Here they mostly sunbathe, although many take the risk of swimming.

There are 300 beaches in Finland. Of these, 29 are located in and 4 are located on the banks of the Vantaa River. Here, on metropolitan beaches, every year crowds of tourists and the Finns themselves flock. All places reserved for swimming are carefully checked for compliance with European standards and norms and are distinguished by accuracy.

Hietaniemi Beach is located in the center of Helsinki. It is worth visiting for many reasons. First, it is easy to get here by public transport, on foot or by bike. Secondly, concerts are regularly held here for vacationers. In the evenings, picnics are arranged on Hietaniemi, a bar with an open terrace is open all summer, there are all conditions for playing volleyball and football.

Best holiday on the Finnish Sea near Pori, on Cape Yuuteri. sandy beaches stretch for several kilometers, the seabed here is gently sloping and smooth. lovers active rest They will also find something to their liking: beach volleyball, surfing and other water sports. Toward the end of summer, the water in the sea warms up to + 20°C. There is even surfing here, and beginner surfers are given lessons here. In summer, you can meet surfers, both professionals and beginners, on the beach.

The beaches of the Åland Islands are more rocky and partially wooded. This archipelago has more than 6500 islands, this is the most large cluster in the world. True, they live here only on 60 islands. The best among these beaches are Karingsand, Sandviken and Degersand. There are several beautiful old villages on the west side of the beach.

Hanko Beach near the village of Hanko in Uusimaa has 130 km of coastline with beautiful sand dunes and is perfect for windsurfing.

The beaches of the city of Tampere, built between two lakes, Näsijärvi in ​​the north and Pyhäjärvi in ​​the south, are popular in summer. They are shallow, and they get a lot of shade from the forest.

The most popular public beach in Lappeenranta is Myllusaari Beach and the clear waters of Saimaa. Nearby is the Myllusaari coastal sauna.

Municipal beaches in Finland are free to visit. AT bathing season on each beach, a special stand provides information on the sanitary condition and water temperature. Bringing and drinking alcohol on the beaches is prohibited. It is not customary to have picnics. Tents are not allowed; there are campsites or specially designated places for this. Garbage must be taken to special containers.

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Country Description

Finland is the northernmost country in Europe. At least a third of this country is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Attract tourists such interesting natural phenomena like polar day and polar night. Created especially for tourists National parks, most of which are created in Lapland. Culture of versatile active winter holiday in Finland is extremely high. In addition to the well-equipped ski and ski slopes, you can ride a reindeer or dog sled here. Winter horseback riding and ice rallying have become fashionable. One-day outings on motorized sledges are very popular. As a rule, routes are laid on the most picturesque places, during the trips, halts in nature or lunch in the Sami tent are organized. And of course, one of the pleasures is visiting the Finnish sauna. Its invigorating spirit is especially pleasant after skiing or other walks in the fresh air. A Finnish bath is an obligatory attribute of Finnish resorts, both large and small. In addition, many hotels have their own water parks with "tropical" pools. Swimming in such a pool will give your vacation in these harsh latitudes a unique charm.

Geography

Finland is a state located in the north of Europe, with a total area of ​​338 thousand square meters. km. The northern part is located beyond the Arctic Circle. In the west, Finland borders on Sweden, in the north - on Norway, in the east - on Russia. South coast washed by the waters of the Gulf of Finland. More than 2/3 of the country's area is covered with forests. In the west and south, Finland is washed by the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, respectively, and the coast is so indented with bays that the length coastline reaches 4600 km.

Time

1 hour behind Moscow.

Climate

In Finland, there are four seasons that differ significantly from each other. Summer lasting approx. 3 months, from June to August. The highest temperature in summer is approx. 25-30 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature is approx. 18 degrees. In June - July there can be a lot of mosquitoes, but at present there are a large number of ointments and aerosols that reliably protect against these annoying insects. Magnificent in its beauty, the golden autumn of Ruska-ajka attracts numerous tourists to Finland. Snow usually falls in December and is most abundant in March. In Central and Northern Finland at this time there are good opportunities for lovers of winter sports. In the middle of summer in Lapland, tourists are interested in the polar day, when the sun does not set, and, accordingly, in winter - the polar night.

Language

Officially, Finland is bilingual: 92.9% call Finnish their native language, 5.8% - Swedish. About 1700 people in Lapland speak the Sami language. Since Finnish is the native language of only 5 million people in the world, many Finns speak English, German or other European languages.

Religion

Christianity entered Finland about 1100 years ago at about the same time from the west and east, resulting in the official status of both - Evangelical Lutheran (86% of the population) and Orthodox (1%) - religions.

Population

At present, the population of Finland is slightly more than 5 million. There are many language groups in Finland: Finns, Swedes living in Finland (coastal territories, Aland Islands), Sami (Lapland) Romans (Gypsies).

Electricity

The usual mains voltage in Finland is 220 V. European standard sockets are used.

Emergency Phones

ambulance - 112
fire brigade - 112
police - 112 or 100-22
address reference service (telephones, addresses) - 118

Connection

Direct communication with any country in the world is possible from any pay phone, which are located almost everywhere. You can call either with coins or with phone cards, which are sold at newsstands ("R-kioski"), in shops and at the post office. You can call abroad through various telephone companies by dialing 00, 990, 994, or 999 followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. When calling to Finland 8 - beep - 10 - 358 - area code (without the first digit, usually 0) and the number of the called subscriber.

GPRS-roaming is available from the main Russian operators. The number of Wi-Fi access points is gradually growing. Regular access can be obtained in numerous Internet cafes.

Currency exchange

Currency - euro. Banks work Mon.-Fri. from 9.30 to 16.30, at airports from 6.30 to 23.00, in the port of Helsinki-Katajanokka from 9.00 to 11.30, from 15.45 to 18.00, in the port of Turku from 8.00 to 11.30, from 19.30 to 21.30, exchange offices at the central station in Helsinki are open daily from 8.00 to 21.00.

Visa

Citizens of Russia and CIS countries require a visa to visit Finland. Finland is a member of the Schengen Agreement. On the territory of Russia, a visa can be obtained at the consular section of the Finnish Embassy in Moscow, at the Consulate General in St. Petersburg, as well as at the consulates of Murmansk and Petrozavodsk.

Customs regulations

A passenger has the right to bring into Finland without paying duties and taxes: 1 liter of spirits (more than 22%) or 2 liters of aperitifs (not more than 22%) or sparkling wines and 2 liters of weak wines and 15 liters of beer; 200 cigarettes or 100 small cigars (3 g each) or 50 cigars or 250 g of pipe and cigarette tobacco; 50 g of perfume and 250 g of eau de toilette; 100 g of tea or 40 g of tea extract or essence, 500 g of coffee or 200 g of coffee extract or essence.

Holidays and non-working days

1st of January - New Year; January 6 - Epiphany; March 28 - Good Friday; March 30-31 - Easter; May 1 - May Day; May 8 - Ascension Day; May 18 - Trinity; June 20-21 - Midsummer Day; November 1 - All Saints Day; December 6 - Independence Day; December 24-25 - Christmas; December 26 - Day of giving.

As soon as summer comes, Finns go to nature. And since there is little time for the summer, the bright summer nights are dedicated to the holidays. More than 1,500 different events are organized annually, mainly from June to August. The festival repertoire ranges from chamber music in the village of Kuhmo to the film festival in SodankylK, from jazz festivities in Pori, Tornio or Kainuu to music and dance festivals in Kuopio. The culmination of all celebrations is the Opera Festival in Savonlinna. At the end of summer, festivals are held only in Turku, Tampere and Helsinki. At the end of August, the program ends with a week-long festival in Helsinki. So, the summer program, officially starting on the eve of the first of May with the Vappu holiday in honor of students and students receiving matriculation certificates, ends with a festive week in Helsinki, and the Finns return to everyday affairs.

Transport

The state railways of Finland are concentrated in the southern part of the country. Their total length is 5900 km, and only 1600 km are electrified. Although the highway system was expanded and the private car fleet grew strongly in the 1960s and 1970s, traffic in Finland is still low compared to other Scandinavian countries. Bus service is maintained in summer up to the extreme northern regions. The length of motor roads reaches 80 thousand km. A network of navigable waterways with a length of 6.1 thousand km, including channels between numerous lakes, is of exceptional importance for passenger and freight traffic. In winter, navigation through the canals is carried out with the help of icebreakers.

Tips

In hotels, restaurants and bars tips are already included in the bill.

The shops

In connection with the onset of the high tourist season, shops in Finland are again switching to long time work. Usually shops in this country are open on Sundays only in summer. The rest of the time, their hours of operation are as follows: from 9.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 14.00 on Saturdays. Shopping centers are open from 9.00 to 21.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 18.00 on Saturdays. Now, in November and December, shops in Finland are also open on Sundays (including December 30), mostly from 12.00 to 21.00. On December 31, it will be possible to make purchases from 07.00 to 18.00. Shops are usually closed on January 1st.

National cuisine

Breakfast in Finland is early - at 7 o'clock in the morning. Breakfast is usually light: some people prefer porridge or muesli in milk, but mostly they limit themselves to a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of milk with sandwiches. At 11-12 o'clock there is a lunch break. AT small towns people go to dinner at home, and in the capital - to a restaurant or cafe. For lunch like As a rule, they eat one dish - either the "first" or the "second". Most often, it is a thick soup or potatoes with meat. At dinner they eat bread and butter and drink milk. At 14 o'clock they drink tea. The working day ends at 16-17, and the Finns have dinner at 17-18. Dinner is similar to lunch, just the opposite - if there was a liquid dish for lunch, then in the evening they cook, for example, a casserole. And if during the day they ate steaks with potatoes, then soup is served for dinner.

Beer is one of the most popular drinks in Finland. Strong beer is available for sale only in the shops of the alcohol monopoly "Alko". Kotikalja, a homemade beer brewed with water, maltose, sugar and yeast, containing a small amount of alcohol, is the main drink on every rural table. For a long time, the most popular wheat vodka in Finland remains Koskenkorva Viina (38%) and Koskenkorva Vodka (60%) produced according to folk recipes. Liqueurs are made from natural fruit and berry tinctures. A specific Finnish product is liqueurs with a strong aroma of northern wild berries: "Lakkalikoori" (cloudberry), "Puolukkalikoori" (lingonberry), "Karpalolikoori" (cranberry), "Mesimarijalikoori" (arctic blueberry). Champagne: Finns make it by fermenting yellow currants and gooseberries. Finland does not produce its own wines, so wines have gained popularity here only in the last few years.

Attractions and resorts

Helsinki- the capital of Finland, a city surrounded by the sea and islands, a city where nature and culture are in close contact. One fourth of Helsinki is parks. Central Park runs through the entire city. The noise of departing ships and the aroma of the sea give Helsinki a special mood. Many sights of Helsinki, the architecture of the city, in which both eastern and western influences can be traced, are revealed to the guests of the capital during walking tours. Architectural and history Center city ​​- Senate Square with the majestic buildings of the Cathedral, the University, the Palace of the State Council - carries the spirit of Russian architecture and is crowned with a monument to Alexander II in the center of the square. During the summer, the area is used for numerous events. Literally 100 meters away, on the seashore, is the Market Square - the brightest and liveliest place in Helsinki. Here you can buy everything from fruits and fish to a variety of Finnish crafts. From the Market Square begins the Esplanade Park with street lighting and many boutiques - the center of life in summer Helsinki. The excursion from the city center can be continued along the park area of ​​the Töölönlahti bay, a summer oasis popular among the townspeople. The Finlandia Palace (concert and congress complex) and the Finnish National Opera are located here. Of the sea attractions of Helsinki, it will be interesting to see the Suomenlinna island fortress, which is over 250 years old, and the museum under open sky on the island of Seurasaari.

Rovaniemi- the birthplace of Santa Claus, a city located right on the Arctic Circle - deservedly considered one of the best winter sports centers in Finland. The city of Rovaniemi with a population of 35,000 inhabitants is the capital of Lapland. If you are interested in the culture and life of this northern region, be sure to come here, and you will not regret it: a lot of exciting activities and all kinds of entertainment await tourists who come to Rovaniemi. The most interesting attraction of the region is "Santa Park" - a themed Christmas entertainment center. If you have children, then give them a fabulous meeting with Santa Claus, and perhaps you yourself want to feel like a child for a moment and get into a real fairy tale. Rovaniemi is the only place in the world where after a walk you will be given a real "right" to drive, drive a reindeer sled. If you get tired of skiing and snow safari, you can spend a day under the glass dome of the Arktikum Museum and see the exhibitions organized by the Arctic Science Center and the Regional Museum of Lapland, or visit the Arctic Zoo in Ranua (only an hour drive from Rovaniemi). ). Another attraction of Rovaniemi is the Arctic Circle sign at the northern entrance to the city, indicating the exact geographical latitude of this imaginary line.

Turku - oldest city Finland, the first mention of it dates back to 1229. During the Swedish rule, Turku was the capital of Finland. The area of ​​the city is 246 sq. km, population 160 thousand people. Turku is the capital of the province of Western Finland and the center of the country's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The bishop of Turku is also the archbishop of the whole country. Turku is a vibrant university city with a rich cultural tradition. Concerts and exhibitions are held here all year round. The market square and its surroundings are the heart of the city. There are large department stores and many small shops where tourists can buy souvenirs and gifts. Maritime Center "Forum Marinum" invites all interested to purchase personal experience and information on shipping and its history. Cathedral in Turku is considered the national sanctuary of the country. This is one of the most valuable architectural monuments of the Middle Ages. In the Aboa Vetus Museum, with the help of multimedia technology, you can get acquainted with the everyday life of people who lived in this place several centuries ago.

Ylläs located in Western Lapland, close to the border with Sweden. The resort of Ylläs consists of two villages: Jakoslompolo on the northern slope of the hill and Ylläsjärvi on the southern slope. This is one of the most magnificent mountain tundras in Finland, on the slopes of which the most modern ski center in the North was created, founded by enthusiasts back in the 50s, when even a road was not laid here! Ylläs has a total of 33 ski slopes, different in width and length. The slopes of Ylläs are so large that, if you wish, you can find solitude here even in high season. Ylläs has the most extensive network of ski slopes perfectly prepared by a special all-terrain vehicle among Finnish ski resorts.

Levy- one of the newest and most comfortable in Finland. In terms of the level and range of services, it is considered the best in the country. It has already become Finland's "resort of the year" three times in the winter season. Levi is located 15 km from the airport of Kittila, 50 km from the Ruka resort. This resort resembles an Alpine one more than other Finnish centers - all services are concentrated in the Lapland village, hotels are located in close proximity to the slopes. Since the construction of this center was planned very carefully, the nature here remained almost untouched. Perhaps that is why, this is one of the favorite resorts not only for foreign tourists, but also for the Finns themselves.

Vuokatti is located in the very center of Finland, among beautiful lakes and forested hills. It is easy to get here by air, train, bus or by car. Three daily flights link Helsinki with Kajaani Airport, from where the resort is only half an hour by car. This resort is characterized by a rare combination of all elements of winter recreation. First of all, this best service, a huge number of hotel beds and numerous entertainment. Vuokatti is a town of 4 hotels and many cottages, restaurants and nightclubs, sports facilities and beaches, shopping centers and the market. Tennis is very popular in Vuokatti, with over 30 courts, including indoor and outdoor courts. Ski slopes and beautiful slopes are well-deservedly popular among tourists.

Kuopio- one of the best places in the country for lovers of flat skiing and ice skating (skating season starts at the end of January). More than 400 km of excellent ski slopes are laid here every year in the surrounding forests and on the ice of a frozen lake, some of which are illuminated in the evening. Conveniently located in the heart of the city on Mount Puyo, the ski stadium offers numerous ski tracks that are ideal for both beginner skiers and experienced skiers who prefer more challenging terrain. There are so many ski slopes in Kuopio that you can go to the ski track right from the door of the hotel. And for skiers on Mount Puyo, there are two slopes: Puyo with a “black” track (length 400 m, elevation difference 93 m) and Antikka with a “blue” one (length 800 m, elevation difference 88 m).

Finland located in the North of Europe, between 70° and 59° north latitude and 20° and 31° east longitude. It is the seventh largest country in Europe. The territory of the country occupies about 338 thousand square kilometers, where 32 thousand are occupied by water bodies, and the remaining 306 thousand are land. About a quarter of it is located above the Arctic Circle. The maximum length of the country's territory, from south to north - 1157 kilometers, width - 540 kilometers.

Finland borders in the east with Russia, in the northwest with Sweden and in the north with Norway. The southwest and west of the country is washed by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland and Bothnia of this sea. maritime borders countries stretch for 1110 kilometers. The coast of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia is flat, sandy, in places clayey, in many of its sections there are dunes. It is divided into numerous bays and rich in unique skerries.

The highest point in Finland is 1328 meters above sea level. This is Mount Haltiatunturi, which is located on the very edge of the north-west of Finland, in Lapland, on the border with Norway.

But in general, the land of the country is predominantly hills and plains. The heights of the hills, as a rule, do not exceed three hundred meters, and the plains are completely covered with lakes and swamps.

During its formation, the territory of the country was covered with a powerful ice shell, which smoothed out the hills, and after the melting of the glaciers about ten thousand years ago, the depressions that were under them filled with water, forming lakes and swamps. And, despite the fact that the land is rising, thereby increasing the territory of Finland by almost seven kilometers a year, a lot of depressions have still remained flooded with water. No wonder Finland is called the "country of thousands of lakes" - there are about 75 thousand of them here. The most famous of them are Lake Saimaa in the southeast of the country, Lake Päijänne in the south, Lake Oulujärvi, which is located in the central part of Finland, and Lake Nasijärvi in ​​its southwest. Lake Saimaa is the fourth largest lake in Europe. Its total area is about 4400 square kilometers.

There are, of course, rivers here, not long, but full-flowing, with many rapids and waterfalls. The longest of them is Kemijoki, which is 512 kilometers long. The country has 179,584 islands and about 5,100 rapids. Only the autonomous region of Finland - the Åland Islands, includes more than 6.5 thousand islands, islets and rocks.

The northern region of the country - Lapland covers an area of ​​about 100,000 square kilometers, consisting of hills, forests and a few rocky mountains.

The nature of Finland is diverse. In the forests, which occupy 87% of its territory, there is a very rich animal world- these are wolves, and wolverines, and elks, and deer, and foxes, and bears, and ermines, and squirrels, and about 350 species of birds. In the rivers, lakes and the Baltic Sea, there are many fish of all varieties.

Abstract completed by: Gileva Maria, class 10 "B"

School №41

2000/2001 academic year

Territory composition and internal differences

Finland is a state in the north of Europe. It borders with Russia in the east, with Sweden in the northwest and with Norway in the north. In the south and west, the shores are washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and its gulfs - Finnish and Bothnian.

The area is 337 thousand km2, and about a third - beyond the Arctic Circle.

Administratively, Finland is divided into 12 provinces, which, in turn, are divided into counties. Capital - Helsinki, Largest cities- Turku, Tampere and Kotka.

Economic and geographical position of the country

Assessment of border states.

Finland borders Russia, Sweden and Norway. Relations with the latter two remain stable, with Finland trading especially actively with Sweden.

With Russia, after the collapse of the USSR, trade relations have changed significantly. The share of exports also dropped significantly after August 1998. But, nevertheless, the share of exports to Russia still remains significant. In recent years, economic relations between Finland and the neighboring regions of Russia (Leningrad, Kaliningrad) have been actively developing. Joint ventures are being created, joint economic projects are being implemented.

Opportunities to use different modes of transport.

Since Finland is a relatively small country, roads play a more important role here than railway transport. Finland has a high capacity for maritime transport and cargo transportation, it has access to the Baltic Sea and its bays. But since in the north its waters freeze in winter, the use of icebreakers is necessary.

natural conditions.

The climate in Finland is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental and continental in the north. The climate of the country is moderated by the Baltic Sea and the proximity of the warm Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean.

There are about 60 thousand lakes, which together occupy about 8% of the country's area. Over 1/3 of the territory is swampy. Most of the territory is occupied by forests, mainly of the taiga type (pine, spruce, birch), in the south and southwest - with an admixture of broad-leaved species (oak, linden, ash, maple).

Depending on the natural and climatic conditions, there are 4 natural area: southern coastal, western coastal, central and northern.

The southern coastal region is characterized by a significant distribution of flat clay lowlands and small lakes. The climate is mild and favorable for agriculture. The forest cover is relatively low, large areas under agricultural land.

Western seaside region - with marshy sandy-argillaceous lowlands. Forests are predominantly pine and mixed.

The central region - with an abundance of rocks, hilly-morainic ridges, with numerous lakes. The forests are dominated by conifers.

The northern region has the most severe climate. Elevations prevail here. This area covers the northern part of the taiga, as well as the altitudinal belts of birch sparse forests and mountain tundra.

History of the country.

Until 1809, the territory of present-day Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. Then, as a result of the Russian-Swedish war (1808-1809), Finland was annexed to Russia (the Grand Duchy of Finland). In 1917, after the October Revolution, Finland declared itself an independent state.

Features of the population and demographic policy

The population of the country is about 4.7 million people.

The national composition of the population of Finland is relatively homogeneous, over 91% of the inhabitants are Finns. Swedes also live in the southern and western Baltic regions (about 390 thousand people), in the north - over 3 thousand Saami (Lapps). official languages Finland - Finnish and Swedish.

The average population density is 14 people. per 1 km2, with 9/10 of the population living in the southern half of the country. The percentage of the rural population in Finland is the largest in Europe (37%). 55% of the population is employed in the non-manufacturing sector, 30% in industry and construction, and 10% in agriculture and forestry.

The type of reproduction is "demographic winter". The country's population is increasing slowly due to a small natural increase (3.3 people per 1000) and emigration.

The government is concerned about the declining birth rate. To increase it, a number of measures are being taken, in particular, the provision of free education and medical care to children. A law was passed to provide young people with free housing upon reaching the age of majority. This law should make life easier for young families and, as a result, increase the birth rate.

Natural resources

Main Natural resources Finland is its forests and minerals.

Forests occupy more than half of the country, so the woodworking industry is one of the most developed industries.

Mineral deposits are of great economic importance. Among them, it is worth noting the deposits of copper-nickel ores - Outokumpu, Luikonlahti, Pyhäsalmi and Hammaslahti, polymetallic ores - Vihanti, chromites - Kemi and ilmenite-magnetite ores - Otanmäki.

Among the countries of Western Europe in terms of reserves of chromites, vanadium and cobalt, Finland ranks 1st, titanium and nickel - 2nd, copper and pyrite - 3rd. There are also deposits of apatite, graphite, asbestos, and peat.

general characteristics farms

Finland is an industrial-agrarian country. About 45% of the gross national product is created in industry and construction, and about 11% in agriculture and forestry.

The Finnish economy is largely oriented towards foreign markets. Finland produces and exports lumber, paper, pulp, forestry and woodworking equipment, ships, tractors, dairy products and electrical equipment.

The share of exports of goods and services is about 30%. The largest industrial associations: Neste (oil refining and petrochemistry), Enso-Gutzeit (timber processing and mechanical engineering), Kemira (chemistry), Vartsila (shipbuilding), Nokia (electronics and electrical engineering), Rauma- Repola" (shipbuilding and mechanical engineering), "Tampella" (equipment for paper production), "Kyumin" and "Yuhtyunet papertechitat" (paper production).

Finland does not have mineral fuel, so the energy problem is one of the most acute in the country. Over 1/2 of the need for fuel is covered by imports. Crude oil is mainly imported, as well as oil products.

Agriculture in Finland is highly developed, forestry and animal husbandry predominate. Agriculture is high-tech and intensive, closely connected with the processing industry. A developed transport network allows you to quickly deliver products to processing plants, as a result, product losses are minimized, and its quality is valued all over the world.

Industry

Iron ore, copper, zinc, nickel, chromite, cobalt, vanadium, lead, graphite, and asbestos are mined in Finland. Finland occupies a prominent place in the world in the production and export of machinery and equipment for the pulp and paper industry. Main production centers: Lahti, Vasa, Karhula, Rauma, Tampere. Shipbuilding is also developed, there are 9 shipyards, the largest - in Turku, Helsinki, Rauma. Finland produces the world's largest diesel-powered icebreakers, oil drilling platforms, ferries, passenger and cargo ships.

The timber processing industry in Finland includes woodworking (sawmilling, furniture production, standard houses) and pulp and paper industry (pulp, paper, cardboard production). Finland has less than 1% of the world's forest reserves, but is one of the first countries in the production of timber products. The products of these industries account for about half of the value of exports. Large sawmills are located mainly in the lower reaches of the raftable rivers.

The chemical industry (oil refining, production of plastics, fertilizers, paints, synthetic fibers, household chemicals) and other science-intensive industries are developing rapidly. The main centers of the chemical industry: Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Oulu.

Specialization of agricultural production

Finland is one of the northernmost countries with developed agriculture. Its main feature is its close connection with forestry.

The main branch of agriculture in Finland is animal husbandry, mainly dairy. About 9% of the territory is used in agriculture (arable land and meadows), and almost all land is cultivated. The vast majority of peasant farms are small. Reindeer breeding is also developed in the northern regions.

Forestry is the oldest branch of the Finnish economy. Forest covers 57% of the country's territory, which is about 19 million hectares. About 2/3 of the forests are privately owned.

Transport complex

Length railways Finland - about 6 thousand km. Motor transport plays a more important role: the length of highways is more than 40 thousand km. More than half of all cargo is transported by road. Most of the passenger and cargo communication with other countries is carried out by sea. Main seaports- Helsinki, Turku, Kotka. Thanks to icebreakers, maritime navigation is carried out all year round.

Socio-economic regions

In socio-economic terms, Finland is conventionally divided into three parts.

The southwestern part of the country (about 25% of the area) has the most favorable natural conditions. Over 60% of the population lives here. The southwestern part is the main economic region of the country, it accounts for more than 2/3 of industrial production and the main share of agricultural products. It is also the most urbanized part of Finland, where almost all the largest cities in the country are concentrated.