Finland
Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in Northern Europe. It borders Russia to the east, Norway to the north, and Sweden to the west across the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. Here are some key aspects:
Geography
Finland spans approximately 338,455 square kilometers, making it the eighth largest country in Europe by area. The landscape is characterized by lakes, dense forests, and a rugged coastline along the Baltic Sea. Notable geographic features include:
History
The history of Finland can be traced back to the Stone Age with evidence of human settlement. Over the centuries:
Culture
Finnish culture is known for:
- Sauna, which is integral to Finnish life, symbolizing cleanliness and relaxation.
- Finnish literature, with notable authors like Mika Waltari and Tove Jansson.
- The education system, often ranked among the best globally, emphasizing equality and comprehensive education.
Economy
Finland's economy is characterized by:
- A high-tech industry, with companies like Nokia and Rovio Entertainment.
- Forestry, metal industries, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics are key sectors.
- The country has a mixed economy with a combination of private enterprise and government intervention.
Politics
Finland operates as a parliamentary republic with:
- A president elected for a six-year term.
- A unicameral Parliament known as the Eduskunta.
- High levels of civic participation and transparency in governance.
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