Facts & figures

Finland

Area: 338,000 sq km of which 10% water.
Population: 5.3 million inhabitants.
Population density: 17 inhabitants per sq km land
Languages: Finland has two official languages: 92.3% speak Finnish and 5.6% Swedish. About 1,600 inhabitants in Lapland speak Sámi.
Religion: 84.9% Lutheran, 1.1% Orthodox, 1.1% other denominations,12.9% unaffiliated. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Finnish constitution.
Form of government: republic, headed by president Mrs.Tarja Halonen, elected by direct popular vote for the second six-year term (from March 2006). The Parliament consists of one chamber of 200 members elected for a four-year term.
Security policy: Finland observes a policy of neutrality and is not a member of any military alliance. Member of the European Union since 1995.
National epic: The Kalevala (Kalevala Day on February 28)
Capital: Helsinki (the centre of government, business, culture and science)
Metropolitan area: Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa

Helsinki

Founded in 1550

Capital of Finland since 1812

Area: 214 sq km land

Inhabitants: 589,000

Population density: 2,752 inhabitants per sq km land

Coastline 98 km, islands 315

Finnish-speakers 83,7%, Swedish-speakers 6%

Other language groups 10,2%

Foreign nationals 5,5 %

Evangelical Lutherans 72%, Orthodox 2%

Municipal tax rate 17,5 %

Mobile phones per 100 inhabitants 96

Mayor of Helsinki: Mr Jussi Pajunen

Metropolitan area

Consists of the following cities: Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa.
Area: 770 sq km land
Inhabitants: 1.3 million
Population density: 1,688 inhabitants per sq km land