Seas of Finland. The sea in Finland: beaches, islands, sights, recreation Fauna and flora

The Republic of Finland is a state washed by the waters of the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland. This country is located next to Russia and has warm relations with it. Moreover, history tells that there were times when Finland was part of the Russian Empire, moreover, voluntarily. The sea in Finland is the blue of the Baltic. It is into this sea that countless Finnish rivers flow.

The Scandinavian peninsula on which the Finnish country stands: a rocky and mountain range. At one time, the Vikings lived here and worshiped the heavenly gods. The coastline is huge, as is the presence of the islands that make up Finland. All of them are unique and interesting for tourists and historians. There you can find ancient ruins of ancient castles and monasteries.

Sea, sun, sand

Tourists, going on vacation to Finland, are interested in what kind of sea is in Finland. This is not surprising, because in the summer you want to swing on the waves and sunbathe on the sandy beach. The Baltic Sea cannot be called a hot place. There, even in summer, the water temperature is a little over 15 degrees, but the nature and transparency of the waters will leave an indelible impression on your vacation.

The coast of Finland has both white sand and smooth stones. The territory is occupied by comfortable hotels and houses that are rented all year round. In addition, the coast offers a lot of entertainment complexes for adults and children. It is allowed to have a picnic right on the seashore. Beach soccer and volleyball are well developed and you can find free playgrounds, there would be a ball.

If you decide to visit the coast of Finland, then first of all go to the Åland Islands or the island of Klovharun. There is a unique hut there. This is a secluded place of the famous Finnish writer who gave the world fairy tales about Moomin Troll. There are magnificent landscapes and not as many people as on Russian beaches. You can safely walk and enjoy nature.

On a note! You can always rent a boat or yacht. Take a boat trip on your own or with an instructor.

Many animals live in the Gulf of Finland. This is a unique complex that has been formed over the centuries. The view is beautiful, both from Russia and from Finland. If you are wondering which sea washes Helsinki, then know that this is not only the Baltic, but also the Gulf of Finland. In some places, the depth reaches 1 kilometer.

Many rivers flow into this bay from Russia. This is the Neva, and Luga, and Narva. The Gulf of Finland is completely covered with ice at the end of September and is motionless until April. Nearby is St. Petersburg and the cities of the Leningrad region from the Russian side. In Finland, they have access to the bay: Helsinki, Kotka and Hanko. Even Estonia got a piece of this bay. Estonians have direct access from Tallinn, Toila, Sillamäe, Narva-Jõesuu and Paldiski.

The length of the Gulf of Finland is more than 400 kilometers, and the width at high tide is about 140 km. Above the bay from Finland, a natural hill of 40 meters is piled up. The coast is rocky, but in some places there are white sand dunes. The most famous island in the Gulf of Finland is Kotlin. They say that he was called by that name because of the proximity of the Russian city of Kronstadt. The Summer Garden of Peter the Great is open for tourists there.

Beaches on the coast

There are many beach areas on the territory of the Gulf of Finland. Anyone can plunge into the waters of the Baltic Sea, but get ready for the fact that the water will burn with its coolness. Some light up right on the rocks. Those tourists who love nature can relax in a tent, cook food on a fire and enjoy the wilderness.

There are going not only walruses and fishermen, but also lovers of diving and sea travel. The Gulf of Finland is an amazing place. There are many sunken ships and people often come there in search of underwater treasures. Many are successful and get old coins and household items from the seabed, which date back to the times of the Roman Empire.

The beaches of the Baltic Sea give an even and long tan that does not wash off, unlike the one obtained in hot resorts. The temperate climate in summer does not force you to constantly hide from the burning sun. For people who are contraindicated in tropical places, the Finnish coast is an ideal place.

On a note! Finland and the sea are one. More than 5 thousand sunken ships of the past have already been found on the seabed.

Islands

Finland and the Baltic Sea have many islands on their territory. These objects are considered the largest archipelago on the planet. There are more than 70,000 islands of different sizes: inhabited and not. Many birds and animals live there. Some of the islands can be visited by ferry or motorboat. Staying on one of the islands will be remembered for a lifetime.

The most amazing island in Finland is Helsingholmen. The most visited islands, of course, are the Åland ones. There are many entertainment complexes, hotels and places for tourism. A traveler can choose an expensive vacation on one of the Finnish islands, but also a budget option, for example, at Tove Jansson.

lighthouses

Finland is rich not only in rivers and lakes. There are more than 50 lighthouses on the Finnish coast. The mail is all workers and helps the maritime transport to navigate the sea. Many of them are open to tourists. You can visit the ancient fortresses, and then spend a wonderful evening in a coastal hotel. There will be no noisy parties, only the sea breeze, the cries of seagulls and peace.

On a note! Writers often come there to work on a new book in peace and quiet. At night, it is interesting to watch the lights of the lighthouse, which give hope to lost ships.

The coastal zone of Finland is very long, so sea communication is well developed. Every day sony ferries leave and arrive from there. Many Finnish islands are interconnected by ferry gates, which makes it easy to move from one island to another. An archipelago such as Turku is equipped with ferries to transport the vehicles of the skeleton to the continent.

There are free ferries made according to the method of mobile bridges in St. Petersburg. Some ferries follow in a circle and collect passengers from all the islands, and then deliver them to the capital of Finland. Tourists can travel by ferry with their own car, walk or bike. If a tourist has not found a free crossing, then a paid ferry will not cost much.

Maritime coastal cities

The Baltic Sea with the Gulf of Finland will charm every tourist. The coastal zone is the oldest cities in Finland. There are many fishing villages and entertainment complexes. It is very interesting here, especially in the summer. You can go fishing, have a bite to eat in the coastal cafe with home cooking. Almost every day there are some events and festivals.

Consider the settlements of the coastal zone:

• The first coastal town worth visiting is Tammisaaari. This is an old town with interesting street names. There are many attractions and theme parks
• Hanko invites tourists to its famous Longsanda beach. There are many parks and recreation areas. There you can dive with scuba gear and fly a hang glider on the sea surface.
• Pori is the northern Riviera. Tourists who prefer active rest come there. Many music festivals take place here, and museums welcome tourists all year round.

Finland is a small country, and having visited the coastal cities, you can quickly get to another city in the northern country. Experienced travelers advise traveling by own car, but in the summer, a bicycle is also suitable for moving around small Finnish cities.

Sunsets and sunrises. Calm and storm

Sunsets and sunrises on the coast of the Gulf of Finland are truly magnificent. The play of colors can only be compared with the northern lights of Lapland. During dawn, the rays of the sun paint the sea surface with a silvery hue, and the sunset leaves crimson stains on the water. Some vacationers specially come to observe this common natural phenomenon and are amazed by the play of colors.

The official name is the Republic of Finland (Suomen Tasavalta). It is located in northern Europe in the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The area is 337 thousand km2 (about 1/3 of it is beyond the Arctic Circle), 9.4% - inland waters, mainly lakes. The population is 5.16 million people. (2002). The official languages ​​are Finnish and Swedish. The capital is Helsinki (500 thousand people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day December 6 (since 1917). The monetary unit is the euro (since 2002, before that the Finnish mark).

Member of the UN (since 1955), the Nordic Council (since 1955), the EU (since 1995), etc.

Sights of Finland

Geography of Finland

Finland (Finnish Suomi or Saomeumaa - country of lakes or swamps) is located between 70° 5' 30'' and 59° 30' 10'' north latitude and 20° 33' 27'' and 31° 35' 20'' east longitude . In the south and west, the shores are washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea, its bays - Finnish and Bothnian. The length of the coastline (excluding sinuosity) is 1100 km. It borders in the east with the Russian Federation (the length of the borders is 1269 km), in the north-west with Sweden (586 km) and in the north with Norway (716 km).

The landscape of the country is strongly leveled, the relief is flat. The shores of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia are predominantly low-lying, strongly dissected by numerous small bays and abound in skerries, especially in the south and southwest. St. 1/3 of the territory below sea level by 100 m, St. 2/3 - lower by 200 m. The central part - the Lake Plateau - is bounded by the Salpausselkä ridges, the Suomenselkä Upland, and from the east by the Karelian Upland. Uplands (height 400-600 m) are concentrated in Lapland, the largest is Manselkya. In the northwest is a small section of the Scandinavian Highlands (altitude up to 1328 m - Mount Haltiatunturi).

There is a dense network of short but full-flowing rivers (Kemi-Yoki, Kyumi-Yoki, Kokemäen-Yoki, Tornio-Yoki) with numerous rapids and waterfalls (including Imatra on the Vuoksa River). The rivers are fed by rain and snow, their flow is often regulated by lakes. Flood in late spring and summer, occasional rain floods in autumn. Lakes (55-75 thousand) are often elongated in the direction of movement of ancient glaciers - from northwest to southeast, winding shores, dotted with numerous islands, interconnected by channels and form large lake systems, incl. Saimaa (area 4.4 thousand km2), Päijänne, Inari, Oulujärvi. Rivers and lakes are covered with ice for 5-7 months, in summer - timber rafting.

The soils are mainly podzolic, alternating with peat-bog, also sod-podzolic, in the north - mountain-forest podzolic. St. 1/3 of the territory is swampy. A high degree of moisture and the presence of glacial boulders hinder agricultural use and require extensive land reclamation. Forests - 87.3% of the territory, mainly of the taiga type (pine, spruce, birch), in the south and southwest with an admixture of broad-leaved species.

Most of the fauna belongs to the Palearctic zone, which is also characteristic of the north-west of the Russian Federation: large predatory animals (wolf, wolverine, lynx, bear) and birds (golden eagle, white-tailed eagle). Found in forests ca. 70 species of mammals: elk, fox, squirrel, ermine. Birds are represented by 350 species: crow, magpie, cuckoo, thrush, woodpecker, bullfinch, black grouse. In the waters of rivers and lakes there are 36 species of fish (salmon, trout, whitefish, perch, pike, pike perch). There are 30 more species of fish in the Baltic Sea: herring, flounder, cod and smelt. Gray seals are found near the coast.

Minerals are associated with the main rocks - quartzites and shales in fault zones. In terms of reserves of chromites, vanadium and cobalt - 1st place in Western Europe, titanium and nickel - 2nd, copper and pyrite - 3rd. Deposits of copper-sulfide (Outokumpu, Luikonlahti, Pyhyasalmi and Hammaslahti), copper-nickel (Vuonos, Kotalahti, Stromi, Hitura, Nivala), polymetallic (Vihanti) ores. There are also deposits of apatite, graphite, magnesite, asbestos, talc, marble, granite and peat.

The climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental, and continental in the north. The Baltic Sea and the proximity of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic have a mitigating effect on it. Winter is long, frosty, with strong winds and plenty of snow; summer is relatively warm, but short. The average temperature in February (the coldest month - maximum -30°С) is -3-6°С in the north and south-west, -12-14°С in the north. The average temperature in July (the warmest month - maximum + 35°С) is + 13-17°С in the south and + 14-15°С in the north. Precipitation per year is 600-650 mm, 1/3 falls in winter. In spring, the snow cover does not disappear until April. In summer, white nights can be observed almost throughout the territory; on the west coast, the water heats up to +20°C. Fog is frequent in the coastal regions of the country.

Population of Finland

The population is increasing slowly, mainly due to a small natural increase (0.4% per year in the 1990s). Infant mortality 5.6 pers. per 1000 newborns. The average life expectancy for men is 74 years, for women - 81.5 years.

Economically active population (2002) 2.16 million people The general trend is the movement of the population to cities. Average density 15 people. per 1 km2, 9/10 of the total population lives in the southwestern and southern parts of the country, south of the line Pori - Tampere - Kumenlaskso - Kotka. Lapland is the most deserted part - 2-3 people. per 1 km2.

The largest cities: Helsinki, Tampere (174 thousand people), Turku (160 thousand), Oulu (102 thousand).

The ethnic composition is homogeneous, St. 90% of the inhabitants are Finns. In the southern and western coastal regions - Swedes (300 thousand people), in the north - 2 thousand Saami (Lapps) speak the Saami language. 100 thousand foreigners live, of which 23 thousand are Russians.

The official languages ​​are Finnish and Swedish. Finnish is spoken approx. 93% of the population, Swedish is the mother tongue for 6% of the country's inhabitants. Finnish is part of the group of Baltic-Finnic languages ​​belonging to the Finno-Ugric, or Uralic, family of languages, which are spoken in total approx. 23 million people

The vast majority of believers belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church (90%), there are Orthodox (1%).

History of Finland

All R. 1st millennium AD areas of initial settlement of Finno-Ugric tribes were formed. On the basis of the merger of the tribal groups of Sumi, Emi, Korelov, the Finnish people took shape. However, due to economic and geographical reasons, the state-political consolidation of the Finnish tribes was not achieved. All R. 12th c. the conquest of the country by the Swedish feudal lords begins. According to the Peace of Orekhov in 1323, which for the first time determined the state border between Sweden and Russia, the territory of modern Finland (Swedish Finland, i.e. the land of the Finns) became part of the Swedish kingdom. Swedish law and social order took root here, under which the Finnish peasant was never enslaved and retained personal freedom. The constant wars of Sweden against Russia in the 2nd half. 16th century had a disastrous effect on the position of the Finnish peasantry. The reformation launched by M. Luther also spread to Finland, which contributed to the rise of the Finnish-speaking culture. The reformer and founder of the Finnish literary language, Bishop M. Agricola of Turku, translated the New Testament into Finnish in 1548.

During the great power period (1617-1721), Sweden was able to push the border of Finland further to the east. As a result of the Swedish-Russian war of 1808-09, Russia conquered Finland. The meeting of representatives of the estates, convened by the Russian government in the city of Borgo (the Borgo Diet of 1809), approved the "special" conditions for the country's entry into the Russian Empire as the Grand Duchy of Finland with broad autonomy.

In the 1820-40s. in connection with the formation of the Finnish nation, the Finnoman movement developed, fighting for the equality of the Finnish language with Swedish. Compiled by E. Lennrut, the national epic Kalevala was published in 1835. The so-called. Golden age of Finnish culture: poet E. Leino, composer J. Sibelius, artist A. Galen-Kallela. With the language manifesto published by Alexander II in 1863, the path of Finnish to obtaining the status of the state language began. These processes and internal reforms in Russia contributed to the formation of the Finnish nation and statehood.

The need to equalize economic conditions within the empire and the growing strategic importance of the Baltic coast prompted con. 19th century the tsarist government to switch to a policy of infringement of Finnish autonomy. In the beginning. 1880s the first trade unions and workers' unions appeared; in 1899 the Finnish Workers' Party (from 1903 - the Social Democratic Party of Finland, SDPF) was founded. In the beginning. 20th century economic growth continued, shifts in the structure of society (the number of landless people increased, emigration of the population increased, mainly to the USA). Under the influence of the Russian Revolution of 1905–07, a national revolutionary movement unfolded, new political parties took shape, the estate parliament became elective, and Finnish women received equal voting rights for the first time in Europe. The October Revolution in Russia brought national independence. On December 6, 1917, the parliament adopted a declaration declaring Finland an independent state, and on December 18 (31), 1917, the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR recognized its sovereignty.

Social and political contradictions between the right and left led to a civil war, which ended in May 1918 with the victory of government forces under the command of G. Mannerheim with the direct participation of the German expeditionary forces. In the summer of 1919, Finland was officially declared a republic, and K. J. Stolberg (1865-1952) was elected the first president. Domestic political situation in the 1920s. did not differ in stability: in 1919-30 14 governments were replaced. In the autumn of 1929, a fascist, so-called. Lapuan movement. In 1930 the parliament was dissolved, the worker deputies were arrested. In 1930-31, the right-wing bourgeois government of P. Svinhufvud, who became president in 1931-37, was in power.

On November 30, 1939, the Soviet-Finnish "winter war" began, which ended in the defeat of Finland and the signing of a peace treaty in Moscow on March 12, 1940. On June 22, 1941, she entered the war against the USSR on the side of Nazi Germany, and formally announced only on June 26, the so-called. continuation war. In September 1944, as a result of the victories of the Soviet Army, Finland ceased hostilities; in March 1945, at the request of the allies in the anti-Hitler coalition, it declared war on the Third Reich. In 1947, a peace treaty was signed in Paris, under the terms of which Finland, in addition to the territories lost in 1940 on the Karelian Isthmus, ceded the Petsamo region to the Soviet Union. In April 1948, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance (DDSVP) was signed between the USSR and Finland.

Yu. K. Paasikivi (1870-1956), who was elected president in 1946, strove to create trusting relations with the USSR. DDSVP formed the basis of the so-called. Paasikivi lines. Over the following years, the country's international position began to strengthen: in 1952, the Olympic Games were held in Helsinki. The goal of W.K. Kekkonen, who was elected president of the republic in 1956, was to ensure the functioning of the presidential republic and the expansion of foreign policy freedom of action under the sign of an active policy of neutrality by continuing the Paasikivi-Kekkonen line. This was reflected in the initiatives to organize and hold the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in Helsinki in the summer of 1975. M. Koivisto was elected the new president of the republic in 1982.

Thanks to the Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line, it was possible to maintain friendly relations with the USSR and close ties with Western countries. Soviet-Finnish relations were an exemplary example of a policy of peaceful coexistence. An intensive political dialogue and a high level of trade were maintained (25% in the mid-1980s, which ensured an increase of 1-2% of GDP). In 1973, the country entered into an agreement with the EU on free trade in manufactured goods, in 1986 it became a full member of the EFTA, and in 1989 the European Council.

A. Ahtisaari became the tenth president of the republic in the 1994 elections, in 2000 for the first time a woman became president - Tarja Halonen. In the parliamentary elections of 1995, the Finland Center party was defeated, and the new chairman of the SDPF, Paavo Lipponen, formed a unique government, which was called the "rainbow coalition". In addition to the left - the SDPF, the Union of Left Forces, the Union of "Greens" (in June 2001 it left because of disagreement to expand nuclear energy), it also included the right - the National Coalition Party (NKP), the Swedish People's Party.

State structure and political system of Finland

Finland is a democratic unitary legal state with a republican form of government. Four constitutional laws together make up the Constitution: Act on the form of government (adopted on July 17, 1919 - amendments and additions were made in 1926, 1930, 1943, 1955, 1992 and 2000), Act on the right of parliament to control the legality of the activities of the Council of State and the Chancellor of Justice 1922, Act on the Supreme Court (1922) and the Parliamentary Charter (1928). In accordance with the amendments to the constitutional acts of 2000, the country moved from a presidential to a parliamentary democracy.

According to the Electoral Act of 1998, elections of 4 levels were established: in Eduskunt - a unicameral parliament, presidential elections, elections to local authorities (446 communes) and elections of 16 deputies to the European Parliament (since 1999). The right to vote is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 18.

Administratively, Finland is divided into 6 provinces, which are subdivided into counties.

The head of state is President Tarja Halonen (since February 2000), who is directly elected by the population for a term of 6 years (in 1919-94, elections were held in two stages). The President formally has broad powers.

The supreme legislative body - Eduskunt - is a unicameral parliament consisting of 200 deputies elected by the population for 4 years under the proportional representation system.

Head of the highest executive body - the State Council - Prime Minister, Prime Minister (Matti Vanhanen - Finland Center Party, since June 2003).

Local government in the lyani (provinces) is carried out by a board headed by a governor appointed by the president. The Åland Islands (province of Akhvenanma) were granted partial autonomy. Local self-government bodies in communes are city and rural communal councils elected for 4 years.

The judiciary includes the Supreme Court, whose members are appointed by the president for life; 4 courts of appeal and courts of 1st instance: city and district (in rural areas). There is also an administrative justice system.

The party-political system is close to the Scandinavian model, although here inter-party cooperation between right and left is uncharacteristic for neighbors. On the left flank is the Social Democratic Party of Finland (SDPF; Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue), the largest - 100,000 members. Two parties adjoin it - the Union of Left Forces (SLS) and the ecological party the League of Greens (LZ). After systemic changes in the USSR / RF in the 1980s - early. 90s, which caused another crisis in the ranks of the Finnish left, supporters of the Communist Party of Finland (KPF, Suomen Kommunistinen Puolue, founded on August 29, 1918) and the Democratic Union of the People of Finland (DSNF, Suomen Kansan Demokraattinen Liitto, 1944) moved to the ranks of the left socialists who united in the SLS.

The center-right bloc consists of 4 major parties. The Finnish Center Party (FC, Keskustapuolue) was founded in 1906, until October 1965 it was called the Agrarian Union. The National Coalition Party (NKP, Kansallinen Kokoomus) was founded in 1918. The Swedish People's Party (SNP, Svenska Folkspartiet Finland) was founded in 1906; the main national minority of the country traditionally votes for it. The Christian Democrats (CD) trace their lineage to the Christian Union formed in 1975.

At the regular parliamentary elections held on March 16, 2003, 70% of Finnish citizens took part (out of 4.2 million people in the country and 200 thousand abroad). The main themes of the campaign are social issues, although there has been controversy over government policy towards Iraq. The question of the country's possible membership in NATO did not become a central topic due to the awareness of the Finnish leadership of geopolitical realities and the unwillingness to create concern in the Russian Federation. The race for votes was between the ruling SDPF and the largest opposition federal center. As a result, the centrists outperformed their rivals and became the most popular party in the country, winning 55 seats. To achieve an increase of 7 deputies (24.7% of the vote, which is 2.3% more than 4 years ago), the centrists were helped by the election program of the chairman of the Federal Center Anneli Jayatteenmäki called "A Lighter Alternative". Although the Social Democrats received 0.2% less votes than the FC, they have 53 mandates, having increased their faction by 2 deputies. The NKP received 18.5% of the vote and 40 seats, which is 6 mandates less. As a result, the parliament was renewed by a third, a number of minor factions appeared, such as the exotic Real Finns party.

As a result of the elections in April 2003, a new coalition government was created, where there are "main opponents": the SDPF, the SNP and the FC (a total of 84 deputies), headed by Anneli Jayatteenmäki (FC). In addition, for the first time in the country, both the president and the prime minister are women. The new government will have to rely on the informal support of the SLS, the LZ and the center parties.

The regrouping of party-political forces after the March 2003 elections did not affect the socio-economic course. All forces are in favor of maintaining the current model of the "welfare state". The "sensitivity" of the Social Democrats to the proposals of the Finnish trade unions will obviously meet with active opposition from the right. Consensus remains on foreign policy issues, despite slight differences in the views of parliamentary parties on the extent of the country's participation in the EU and on the issue of the country's accession to NATO.

The components of the Finnish welfare state model, like those of its Scandinavian neighbors, are a quality free education system, a public health care system and social protection in case of illness or unemployment, which provide a highly skilled and feeling secure workforce. An important role in this regard is played by the Central Organization of Trade Unions of Finland (more than 1 million members). Entrepreneurs also have a coherent system of allied organizations.

The end of the Cold War and the end of the division of Europe had a direct impact on the country's foreign policy. In September 1990, the Finnish government declared that the provisions of the Paris Peace Treaty (1947), which limited Finland's sovereignty, had lost their meaning.

The development of integration in Europe required Finland to be more active in foreign policy. When Sweden applied for EU membership in the summer of 1991, this prompted Helsinki to take a similar step (March 1992). In a referendum (October 1994), 57% of the Finns who took part in the vote supported the country's accession to the EU, and in November 1994, the parliament, with 152 votes in favor and 45 against, confirmed the country's accession to the EU from January 1995.

Integration policy within the EU has become a central element of the entire international political course of the country. Resolutely rejecting the policy of "Finlandization" and non-participation in the alliances of the West, the Finnish establishment has taken a line to occupy a worthy place in the EU. To this end, the Finnish authorities put forward a proposal for a "northern dimension" of EU policy, which was voiced in the speech of Finnish Prime Minister P. Lipponen in Rovaniemi in September 1997. As a result of the efforts of the EU Helsinki, a program for 2000-03 was adopted with the aim of federation into the world economy across the northeastern borders through cross-border cooperation and preparation of the Baltic States for admission to the EU.

The armed forces (called the Finnish Defense Forces - OSF) consist of the Ground Forces, the Air Force and the Navy. The Supreme Commander is the President; direct leadership is carried out by the commander of the OSF through the General Staff (GSh). Recruitment is carried out on the basis of the law on military service. Males who have reached the age of 17 are called. The annual draft contingent is 31 thousand people, of which 500 are women, 35 thousand pass military training every year. The term of active military service is 6-12 months.

Military spending (2000) - 9.8 billion fin. marks, or 1.7% of GDP. The total number of the Armed Forces is 32 thousand people, trained mobilization reserves - 485 thousand people.

OSF participate in peacekeeping operations, especially the Brigade of Constant Combat Readiness (Bjørneborgskaya), stationed in the city of Säkülä.

Finland has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR when the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR recognized its independence on December 18 (31), 1917). Finland recognized the Russian Federation as the legal successor of the USSR on December 30, 1991, in January 1992 the Treaty on the Basics of Relations was concluded, which was automatically extended in 2001 until 2007. Today, more than 80 interstate and intergovernmental documents are in force between the Russian Federation and Finland.

President of the Russian Federation B. Yeltsin was in Finland on an official visit in 1992, Presidents M. Ahtisaari and T. Halonen - in Moscow in May 1994 and June 2000, respectively. In September 2001, an official visit to Helsinki by President V.V. Putin, a symbolic event, a sign of final reconciliation between the countries was the laying of a wreath by the president at the grave of Marshal G. Mannerheim.

The heads of government of Finland and the Russian Federation meet at least 2 times a year. Regular contacts are maintained between the heads of ministries and departments. Inter-parliamentary ties are active. A significant role is played by cooperation in neighboring regions. The cultural ties along the line of the Finno-Ugric peoples are very diverse.

Economy of Finland

Finland entered the 21st century, occupying positions at the beginning of the second ten of the most developed and prosperous countries in the world (GDP - 140 billion euros, 25 thousand euros per capita). GDP growth in 2002 was 1.6% (on average since the end of the 1990s, 1.7%). Skillful use of national resources and the advantages of the international division of labor lie at the basis of high indicators of socio-economic development. In addition, development in the 1990s took place under favorable foreign trade conditions, it was possible to continue the formation of a dynamic diversified economy.

Not so long ago, in Finland, they were annoyed at the narrowness of the base of domestic industry, the forest industry accounted for a significant share of GDP, and the country's economy fluctuated depending on its conjuncture. Now the share of the timber industry in proportional terms has significantly decreased, along with it, the electrical industry has begun to gain strength, the core of which is the Nokia concern, the world leader in the production of mobile phones. Almost 1/2 of GDP growth in the 1990s. made by Nokia. The main driver of growth was the high demand for cell phones. In 2002, they were sold 30% more than in 2001. New models with a color screen and a camera are especially popular.

The country managed to make a breakthrough in the development of high technologies and informatization of society on the basis of the Finnish identity, R&D and an increase in technical education, especially among students. In terms of the number of mobile phones and Internet connections, the country is among the leading group of advanced powers. The orientation towards foreign markets has increased, where the country is a major supplier of paper, pulp, engineering products - special ships, machines and equipment for the woodworking and pulp and paper industries. According to the annual examination of the World Economic Forum (WEF), F. in 2002 ranked 2nd in the world in terms of competitiveness.

The small size of the domestic market and the limited national resources determined the choice of the country's economic development - specialization in the production of a limited range of goods and services for the foreign market. Although the importance of Finland in the world economy is small: 0.5% of total GDP, 0.4% of industrial production and 0.8% of exports, it retains significant positions in the production and export of certain types of industrial products, primarily the traditional timber and paper sector (6th place - for the production and 2nd - for the export of paper and cardboard), as well as telecommunications equipment, cruise ships, etc. The vast majority of industrial products produce approx. 10-15% of industrial enterprises (with the number of employees from 100 people or more), on which St. 50% of all industrial personnel.

Structural adjustment continues, which ensures economic growth and changes the economic face of the country. If in the 1950s the share of agriculture and forestry accounted for more than 25% of GDP, then in the 1990s. only ok. 5%. Now the service sector has become dominant - more than 60% of GDP, while the share of industry has fallen to 30%. 7.1% is employed in agriculture and forestry (2002, in 1974 - 16.2%, in 1950 - 45.8%), in industry - 27.5% (27.5 and 20.8%), in the services - 65.5% (55 and 31.8%).

In the structure of industry (in terms of value added) compared to the beginning. 1950s there have also been significant changes: the share of mechanical engineering increased from 25 to 35%, chemistry - from 7 to 10%, metallurgy - from 3 to 5%, energy - from 4 to 9%. The manufacturing industries produce a wide range of machinery and industrial equipment, especially for the pulp and paper industry (6-7% of production and 10% of exports worldwide). A sector specializing in the production of handling equipment, machines for agriculture and the forestry industry, road and construction works is highlighted. A prominent place is occupied by the electrical industry for the production of power equipment (generators, transformers, electric motors, etc.) and the manufacture of cables. In shipbuilding there was further specialization in the production of platforms with drilling rigs for offshore oil production, ferries and tugboats.

The timber and paper industry practically remained at the level of 20%, but within it the share of woodworking decreased from 10 to 5%, while the share of the pulp and paper industry increased from 10 to 15%. The structure of production has expanded, including woodworking, pulp and paper industry and wood chemistry. The country, with less than 1% of the world's forest reserves, is in the forefront in the production and export of timber products. These industrial sectors account for more than 1/4 of the value of GDP and approx. 1/2 of the export value. At the same time, the importance of some domestic industries has declined, in particular the food industry (from 11 to 8%), light industry (from 17 to 2%), and especially mining (from 3 to 1%), although it has significant mineral resources.

The national economy is increasingly oriented towards the production of high-quality specialized products based on the intensive use of innovative developments, relegating to the background the importance of natural resource factors of its international specialization. Outokumpu is the world leader in copper and nickel processing technologies, Kone in the elevator industry, Nokia in the mobile phone and telecommunications sector, Stura_Enso and UPM in the timber industry.

In the 1990s the share of the state sector in industry has decreased to 12-15%, its most significant role is in the mining, metallurgical, chemical industries, oil refining, and mechanical engineering. The state owns 1/3 of the land area and 1/5 of the forests. In general, the state accounts for 21% of goods and services in GDP (2002), but the main levers of its policy are taxes and the budget. The high level of taxation (tax revenues of 46.5% of GDP) testifies to the large redistributive role of the state, as in Scandinavian neighbors. The level of public debt is significant (46% of GDP), the inflation rate is 2.6%.

Despite favorable economic indicators, a high standard of living (an increase in the income of individual households per year by 3.8% in current prices, or 2.1% in constant prices), a high unemployment rate remains (about 10%). Experts attribute the rise in unemployment and the growth in employment to the growth in the number of labor resources. A solidary income policy that ensures the same increase in wages for all sectors, despite the difference in labor productivity, prevents the reduction of unemployment. Representatives of the business community believe that the employment situation will improve only as a result of labor market reform. However, the leading political forces do not intend to change the current state of affairs.

Certain problems are created by limited energy resources and rising prices for mineral fuels. The problem of their supply can be solved by importing, mainly crude oil and natural gas (since 1974 from the USSR via pipeline) from the Russian Federation. A fundamental decision was made to build the fifth block of the Olkiluoto NPP, which will begin operating within 5 years.

The main feature of Finnish agriculture - the connection with forestry - remains. The main direction - animal husbandry - mainly dairy, gives 70% of the cost of its products. 8% of the territory is used - 2.7 million hectares. Despite the processes of ruin of small farms and the concentration of large farms, small farms still dominate in their structure (less than 10 hectares of arable land, 3/4 of the allotment is occupied by forest), they account for 70% of farms, approx. 40% arable land.

Most of the passenger and freight traffic with other countries is carried out by sea (the main seaports are Helsinki, Turku and Kotka). Railway length approx. 7.8 thousand km, they account for 5% of passenger and 1/3 of freight traffic. Road length approx. 77.8 thousand km. An important role is played by inland waterways (6.7 thousand km), a system of canals, incl. Saimaa Canal, part of which passes through the territory of the Russian Federation. Thanks to icebreakers, sea navigation is provided almost all year round.

The inflow of foreign direct investment into Finland accelerated after the lifting of restrictions on foreign ownership in 1993. The country remains a net exporter of capital: the accumulated value of direct investments (DI) abroad is almost 2 times higher than foreign ones in Finland (31.5 billion dollars and 18.2 billion dollars, respectively). The industry accounts for approx. 70% of FIs of Finnish companies abroad.

The role of foreign trade is great, its annual growth rate is 12.9% (since the end of the 1990s). The share of exports in GDP increased especially from 19.2% in 1990 to 34.3% in 2002, which is associated with accession to the EU. Its markets account for approx. 60% of all external trade. Exports to the EU countries amounted to 54%, to the USA - 9%, to the Russian Federation - 6.6%. If the total volume of exports in 2002 decreased by 2%, then to the Russian Federation it increased by 12%. From the point of view of Finnish business, the Russian Federation is interesting as a market for goods and services, mainly as a supplier of raw materials and energy (approx. 89%). Mutual trade turnover is at the level of 7 billion US dollars. The Finns supply the Russian Federation with products of the pulp and paper industry, foodstuffs, furniture, consumer goods, equipment and vehicles, and carry out construction work. An important factor is the proximity of the Russian market and the tradition of economic interaction, especially with the northwestern regions.

Science and culture in Finland

As early as 1968, a unified 9-year (basic) school was introduced. Complete secondary education is provided by the senior classes of the lyceum, which are called gymnasiums. Higher education is considered one of the most developed in Europe. There are 20 universities offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. There is St. 30 institutes where you can get vocational education and relevant qualifications in 2-4 years. For the education of each student, the state annually allocates approx. 7.5 thousand euros.

Finland leads in the field of interaction between university and industrial research, as well as in the proportion of the population pursuing higher education. Scientific research is largely concentrated in the areas of economic specialization of the country, especially in the research departments of industrial firms. In 2002, the state allocated 4.5% of the budget for R&D, or 3.2% of GDP, which is a very high figure in the world. Approx. 15 thousand scientific and engineering workers (less than 1% of the economically active population). The foundations of state policy in the field of science are developed by the Scientific Council together with the Academy of Finland, which act as advisory bodies to the government.

Science and culture, especially fine arts, since the 19th century. were in close contact with the largest European schools and leading areas. This trend has intensified recently, although the traditional features and deep folk roots (the epic and national motifs of the Kalevala) remain to this day. In addition, Finnish culture was enriched by a bilingual tradition, connections with its Slavic neighbors. Among modern figures, the names of V. Linn, V. Meri, H. Salam, Tito T. Muka, K. Kilman, A. Kleve K. Andersson, K. Donner (writers), J. Sievenen, E. Tirronen, K. Kaivanto (artists), K. Tapper, L. Pullinen (sculptors), M. Talvela (singer). Especially many bright talents were given to the world by the country in the field of design and architecture (A. Aalto, V. Aaltonen, Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen). Every year (since 1951) the Sibelius Week Music Festival, the Savonlinna Opera Festival, prestigious competitions and various mass singing festivals are held.

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 the capital's beaches, crowds of tourists and the Finns themselves flock every year. 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. Firstly, 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.

The best seaside vacation in Finland near Pori, on Cape Yuuteri. Sandy beaches stretch for several kilometers, the seabed here is flat and smooth. Outdoor enthusiasts 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, it is the largest 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. During the swimming 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.

The main attraction of Finland is its amazing nature, where national parks are the best place to relax. Travelers with children and anyone in search of colorful Nordic backdrops for a photo shoot usually rush to Urho Kekkonen, over which the Korvatunturi fell rises, where, according to rumors, the Finnish brother of the Russian Santa Claus lives. You can take part in a husky safari, go skiing and snowboarding, go down into a real mine and arrange a social competition to collect lingonberries in Pyhä-Luosto. People usually come to Linnansaari to kayak through narrow straits and skate a free program on lakes bound by a dense layer of ice. Oulanka Park, located almost on the border with Russia, is worth a look if you are interested in the nature of North Karelia, but it is recommended to look for fabulous hills and inspiring panoramas of Lake Pielinen in Koli Park.

As part of the cultural program, Helsinki is ahead of all. The Finnish capital is quiet and good-looking, unlike other European megacities, which makes it even more conducive to leisurely excursions. Of the iconic places of the “daughter of the Baltic”, it is worth highlighting the Senaatintori Square, the Sveaborg citadel, the Temppeliaukio mountain church and the Tuomiokirkko Cathedral. The island of Seurasaari makes an indelible impression, attracting travelers with its open-air ethnographic museum and winding forest routes.

Numerous parks and ancient forts made a good advertisement for the surroundings of the port city of Kotka. Be sure to look for the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker here, whose exteriors in the style of Russian classicism copy the architecture of St. Petersburg churches to the smallest detail. The oldest city in the country, Turku, also has something to catch the eye. The head of the short list of attractions of the ancient port is Abo Castle, which was built as a military fort, but later became famous not for heroic defense, but for knightly revels. By the way, if you have several hundred euros lying around in your pocket, the palace halls can be rented for a fun banquet or a pompous wedding ceremony.

Bypassing local museums will also bring a lot of impressions. Those who know a lot about avant-garde trends and ordinary lovers to criticize the creations of contemporary artists have a direct road to the Kiasma Museum. To see the paintings of Shishkin, Repin and Van Gogh, buy a ticket to the Ateneum Museum. A visit to the open-air exposition "Karelian House" is usually recommended to anyone interested in ancient life. The Tsar's House Museum, whose building was built specifically for Alexander III, also has an interesting fate: it was here that the Russian autocrat fished while European ambassadors languished in anticipation of his audience.

You can also roam from city to city by bus. Several major carriers operate in Finland, united in the ExpressBus company. The cost of tickets is quite reasonable, in addition, there is a pleasant system of discounts for children, pensioners and students. Those who want to ride around the provinces and save a little can purchase a Bus Pass (150 EUR - a weekly option, 250 EUR - a two-week one). For more information on bus routes, tickets and discounts, please visit the expressbus.fi website.

A fairly common way of communication between port cities is ferry crossings. The same transport is convenient to get to the Aland Islands. You can find out about ferry routes and schedules on the website finferries.fi.

Within the Finnish capital, it is convenient to travel by bus, tram, metro and taxi. Tickets here are universal and are valid in any type of public transport: you can limit yourself to a one-time option (about 2-2.7 EUR), or you can take a daily (8 EUR), three-day (16 EUR) or five-day (24 EUR) travel card.

A free taxi in Helsinki is identified by a yellow light on the top of the car. Payment is made at the counter, through the cash register installed in the salon. On average, landing costs from 5.3 to 8.3 EUR, and a kilometer of the way - from 1.4 to 2 EUR.

The most active and indefatigable will be able to rent a bike without any problems: for only 2 EUR, CityBike parking lots in the capital will provide you with a serviceable “two-wheeled horse”. In other cities, the tariffs are higher: 10-15 EUR per day of vehicle operation.

Car rental in Finland

The roads in Finland are excellent, and the most interesting sights are scattered throughout the country, so it is definitely worth renting a car here. The only thing that can slightly spoil the impression of the trip is the local prices for gasoline. For a liter of diesel fuel at Finnish gas stations, they demand from 1.13 EUR, the 95th goes for 1.34 EUR, but a liter of the 98th will cost 1.41 EUR.

Any driver over the age of 18 who has an international driver's license, own credit card and a driving experience of 1 year or more can rent a car in Finland. Tariffs of rental offices usually depend on the period for which the car is taken. For example, a day of renting an economy class car will lighten your wallet by as much as 70 EUR. For those who rent a vehicle for a longer period, the prices are more pleasant - about 120 EUR for 3 days of rental. Payment is due on the day you pick up the car, however, if you plan to book a car in advance, be prepared to make a partial prepayment. As for fines for traffic violations, information about them is usually sent to the rental office, which automatically debits the required amount from the deposit blocked on your card.

Connection

The big three Finnish carriers are DNA, Elisa and Sonera. To connect to any of them, it is enough to look into the company salon, supermarket or R-kioski stores, where for 6-18 EUR you will be quickly accepted into the ranks of subscribers. The most economical tariff plans are offered by Elisa and DNA: SMS and calls for 0.07 EUR, Internet - 0.99 EUR / day, while buying a DNA SIM card costs a couple of euros more. Sonera has slightly higher rates: 0.08 EUR for local calls and 0.16 EUR for a minute of communication with a foreign country.

Such a disappearing form of communication as a payphone is still popular in Finland. You can find the treasured booth with a retro machine on the street, in the subway, hotels and post offices. Calls in them are paid for with cards sold in R-kioski shops, the minimum cost of a call within the country is 0.5 EUR.

With the Internet in the homeland of the Moomins, everything is more than safe. The guests of most hotels receive free and unlimited access to the World Wide Web, while the rest can join the similar benefits of civilization in restaurants and cafes. In Helsinki, you can find a Wi-Fi access point right in the city center: the main post office, city hall building, shopping centers, libraries generously distribute traffic to everyone.

Finland for children

Finns adore children as much as their Swedish neighbors, so the range of entertainment for young travelers here is simply fabulous. The village of Joulupukki and Santa Park (Rovaniemi) continue to hold the palm among the most desirable attractions in Finland. Here your tomboy will be met by the Finnish Santa Claus (the same Joulupukki), elf helpers, reindeer teams and cheerful carousels sparkling with Christmas garlands. Kids and adults who are nostalgic for the wonderful fairy tales of Tove Jansson can ride to the city of Naatali, in the vicinity of which the Moomin trolls, Snufkins and other incredible inhabitants of Moumidol live. It is better to bring young experimenters to the Eureka Popular Science Center, or even “forget” them there for a couple of days (there is a camp for teenagers at the museum) in order to have fun in some adult institution.

beach holiday

The number of well-groomed and top-notch beaches in the Land of a Thousand Lakes is difficult to count, so the tourist always has the opportunity to show off, choosing the very best of them. The coziest and prettiest stretches of the coast usually belong to hotels or are attached as an additional bonus to tourist houses, but there is no shortage of public places for swimming. In the same Helsinki, you will find about 30 beaches, where you can wallow for free.

Among the most developed and visited resorts in Finland is Yuyteri (Pori city): as many as 6 kilometers of the cleanest sandy coast with campsites, spas, extreme entertainment and excellent beach infrastructure. Families with children and lovers of splashing in shallow water are usually recommended to look into Oulu and Tampere, as well as take a closer look at the beaches of lakes Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi. You can swim in the Åland Islands, but you will have to look for a suitable place with a convenient descent: the coast here is rocky.

Skiing

The mountains, or rather the hills of Finland, are not aimed at ski gurus, but rather at beginners and those who have just learned the basics of this sport. With the same success, you can slide down their gentle slopes on a sled or a cheesecake: there is a minimum of risk, but pleasure and adrenaline are the opposite. By the way, local trails are equipped with the latest technology.

Resorts of a more advanced level should be looked for in Lapland. In particular, if you want to hang around among the Finnish business elite, save money for a ski pass in Saariselkä. In Levi, the people are simpler: the complex is famous for its variety of tracks and the cable car, the only one in all of Finland. Families with children, snowboarders and cross-country skiers have chosen Vuokatti, for whom first-class tracks are equipped here. But skiers from the northern capital prefer not to delve too deeply into the Finnish wilds, mastering the slopes of border resorts like Friska, Myllymäki and Uuperinrinteet.

Fishing in Finnish waters is possible only with a license in hand. Fishing with an ordinary fishing rod without a reel and spinners is possible without obtaining documentary permission. To obtain a license, a tourist needs to acquire, firstly, a certificate of payment of the state fee for fishing (can be bought at a bank, post office, R-kioski network and on the official website), and secondly, a receipt for payment of a local license (purchased gas stations, shops). Each of the documents is valid only on the territory of one province, that is, if you are going to arrange a fishing tour in all the lakes of Finland, you will have to acquire a fresh license in each area.

As for the catch, it will be equally rich everywhere, differing only in species diversity. For example, for salmon and grayling, it is better to go to the Lapland rivers Näätämöjoki, Simojoki, Tenojoki and Tornionjoki. Pike is most often caught in lakes Kemijärvi and Porttipahta, and for brown trout you will have to ride to Inari and Väsari. The coolest place in eastern Finland is the Kuusamo region, in particular, the Tornio River. You should come here for salmon, as well as pike and perch that flooded the surrounding lakes.

In the west of the country, you can get hold of trout, grayling and the same salmon (rivers Kiiminkijoki, Simojoki, Iijoki), but for whitefish you should look at the lakes and rapids of the Savo region, which has gained fame as the cleanest corner of Finland.

Where to stay

Traditional Finnish hotels do not have stars, which does not affect the level of their service. For those who are used to traveling on a grand scale and prefer apartments in the “expensive-rich” style, we can recommend options such as Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa (Helsinki), Arctic Light (Rovaniemi).

Incorrigible misanthropes, the latest romantics and couples looking for solitude will suit wooden cottages scattered across the most secluded and picturesque corners of Finland:,. Almost all houses are built from ecological materials and equipped with fireplaces and saunas. By the way, such apartments are in demand in ski resorts.

You can relax with your body and soul in spa complexes that have recently flooded the shores of Finnish lakes and rivers (, Cumulus Rukahovi, Ruissalo, Santa "s Resort & Spa Hotel Sani). If the tourist budget is bursting at the seams and there is not enough money for a decent hotel , it is worth looking into local hostels and campsites.

Despite the fact that Finland is considered to be an expensive country, housing prices here are very mixed. If in pretentious hotels the most modest room will cost 75 EUR, then in hotels of a lower rank there will always be a room for 50 EUR. In hostels, the situation is even more positive - up to 45 EUR per room. The most ridiculous (by European standards) rates in campsites: from 3 to 20 EUR per night. The owners of eco-cottages have not yet decided on prices, so you can rent a nice house for a week for either 250 or 800 euros.

shopping

Global shopping in Finland can cost a pretty penny, so travelers planning to stock up on branded items should better time their trip to Christmas or Juhannus (the Finnish equivalent of Ivan Kupala Day), when large-scale sales start in all malls in the country. You can understand that the store has begun to liquidate the collection by the signs “Alennusmyynt” and “Ale”.

The most suitable places for acquiring a stylish European outfit in Finland are showrooms and outlets in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere. Do not neglect local textile products, which will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than their French or English counterpart. In particular, the youth brand Jack & Jones, sports equipment manufacturer Luhta and exclusive designer clothes Halonen have gained a good reputation. It is best to look for original children's things, toys and vintage accessories at the Kirputoria flea markets. If the second-hand does not cause negative associations, in such places you can save a lot.

Those who like to buy memorable souvenirs should save up a certain amount on their account in advance: the assortment of funny little things and gift products in Finland is luxurious. Here you will find national dolls, and deer skins, and Moomin figures, and elite Lapponia Jewelry, skillfully stylized as handicrafts, locally produced porcelain and ceramics, Scandinavian puukko knives, as well as a bunch of all kinds of things that will warm you up if you own them. soul, becoming a material reminder of the trip. Gourmets usually bring smoked fish, berry liqueur, cheeses, Fazer chocolate, Salmiakki liquorice candies, Piparkakkuja biscuits and Mintu mint liqueur from Finland.

tax free

VAT on most goods in Finland is as much as 22%, so looking for a store that supports the Tax free system is by no means a whim, but a real way to save on purchases. As practice shows, you can return from 12 to 16% of the cost of the goods, but only if the amount of your purchases exceeded 40 EUR. And one more thing: go on a shopping tour with your passport, as the store employees will definitely require you to present it before filling out the check.

You can get part of your money back at Helsinki Airport, as well as at return points located on the Finnish-Russian border: border crossings Valimaa-Torfyanovka, Imatra-Svetogorsk, Nuijamaa-Brusnichnoye, Niirala-Vyartsilya and others. To apply for Tax free, you must first “stamp” the goods with customs officers (in no case open the package), after which you can safely go to any of the nearest offices involved in the return of funds.

Shop opening hours

Small shops and boutiques are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00, while large shopping centers serve visitors until 20:00-21:00. On Saturday, all outlets work on a reduced schedule, until 15:00. On a holiday, you won’t be able to buy anything, since except for the R-kioski chain pavilions, all stores in the country are closed.

Holidays and events

In Finland, you can celebrate both classic religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, and take part in all kinds of festivals that go on in this country in an endless series. Of the winter holidays, the New Year, the Day of the Sami people and the Day of the Kalevala, the Karelian-Finnish poetic epic, are considered especially significant. In the spring, crispy brushwood is baked everywhere in the country for May Day (Vappu) and stocked with bouquets and gifts for Mother's Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

Summer in Finland is the holiday of Ivan Kupala (Juhannus), a military parade on the Day of Defensive Forces, a daring Flow Festival and a gay pride that is unchanged for all European countries. The heavy rock festival Tuska Open Air in Helsinki also falls in the summer months: an amazingly large and equally deafening event is held in the industrial zone of the capital and gathers up to 30,000 spectators at its venues. In October, all tourists and metropolitan gourmets flock to the Helsinki Market Square to celebrate Herring Day, and at the same time try all varieties of this truly Scandinavian delicacy.

Visa Information

To obtain permission to enter Finland, tourists from Russia and the CIS will have to apply for a visa. The procedure for issuing a pass can be completed at consulates or visa centers. In this case, a standard all-Schengen package of documents will be required: a passport with a validity period of at least three months after the end of the trip, a color photo 36 × 47 mm, a completed online application form, hotel reservation confirmation, copies of round-trip air tickets and medical insurance covering expenses from 30,000 EUR.

In some cases, the consulate may require the tourist to confirm financial solvency and a certificate of employment. When traveling with children under the age of 14, a copy of the birth certificate must be provided, as well as a notarized copy of the permission to leave from the mother/father if the child is traveling with only one of the parents.

Customs

Without the need to fill out a declaration, only 1500 USD can be brought into Finland. As for hand luggage, its cost should not exceed 430 EUR. Age restrictions apply to the import of alcohol:

• for persons under the age of 18 and tourists whose stay in the country will be less than 3 days - a complete ban;
• for tourists aged 18 to 20 years - drinks are not stronger than 22 °.

In total, you can carry 16 liters of beer, 4 liters of wine and up to 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22 °) or 2 liters of other drinks with a strength of less than 22 ° without paying a fee. Restrictions on tobacco products are the same as in other European countries: 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250 g of tobacco. A more detailed list of limits applicable to the import and export of certain categories of goods can be found on the official website of the Finnish Customs Administration: tulli.fi.

How to get there

Airplane. You can fly from Moscow to Helsinki without transfers with Aeroflot and Finnair. Travel time - 1 hour 50 minutes. Norra offers direct flights from the northern capital (time in the air - 1 hour 10 minutes), and it is better to look for options with transfers from Rossiya, Aeroflot and AirBaltic (flight duration from 3 hours 30 minutes).

A train. Every day, from the Leningradsky railway station in Moscow, the branded train "Leo Tolstoy" departs for Helsinki, which residents of St. Petersburg can also get on. The entire journey of the locomotive takes no more than 14 hours. A more efficient option is the Allegro high-speed train from the northern capital, which will take a tourist to Finland in just 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Bus from St. Petersburg. Buses to Helsinki depart from Vosstaniya Square. The trip usually takes about 6 hours.

Ferry. Fans of sea cruises can sail to Finland on the ferries "Princess Maria" and "Princess Anastasia", departing from the Marine Station of St. Petersburg. The duration of this trip is 14 hours.

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. The capital is Helsinki, the largest cities are 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 rail 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 natural and climatic conditions, 4 natural regions are distinguished: 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). The official languages ​​of Finland are 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

Finland's main natural resources are 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 of the economy

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

The length of Finnish railways is 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. The main seaports are 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.