Finland
Capital: Helsinki
Location:
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia (slightly smaller than Montana).
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
Americans living in or visiting Finland are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki and obtain updated information on travel and security within Finland. The U.S. Embassy is located at Itainen Puistotie 14B; tel: 358-9-171931 or after hours tel 358-9-605414; fax 358-9-652057; e-mail consular@usembassy.fi; or visit the Embassy's Internet home page at http://www.usembassy.fi.
Background:
Ruled by Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries and by Russia from 1809, Finland finally won its independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and fend off invasions by the Soviet Union and Germany. In the subsequent half century, the Finns have made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now on par with Western Europe. As a member of the European Union, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999.
Ethnic Groups:
Finn 93%, Swede 6%, Sami 0.11%, Roma 0.12%, Tatar 0.02%
Language:
Finnish 93.4% (official), Swedish 5.9% (official), small Lapp- and Russian-speaking minorities
Currency:
FIM; EUR
markka (FIM); euro (EUR)
note: on 1 January 1999, the EU introduced the euro as a common currency that is now being used by financial institutions in Finland at a fixed rate of 5.94573 markkaa per euro and will replace the local currency for all transactions in 2002
euros per US dollar - 0.7511 (March 2007), 1.0659 (January 2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); markkaa per US dollar - 5.3441 (1998), 5.1914 (1997), 4.5936 (1996)
Climate:
Cold temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes
Population:
5,175,783 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Greek Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1%
Medical:
Medical facilities are widely available for emergency services. The public hospital system and many private hospitals honor foreign credit cards.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Finland is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Excellent
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance:
Excellent
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance:
Excellent
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Excellent
Finland has an extensive network of highways throughout the country, as well as excellent public transportation services. Travelers should be aware that drunk driving laws are strict, and acceptable blood alcohol levels are much lower in Finland than in the U.S. Police strictly enforce all traffic laws and institute random roadside Breathalyzer tests. Those drivers who register a .05 or above alcohol content are subject to immediate arrest. If driving regulations and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the U.S. Visitors should be familiar with both prior to operating a vehicle in Finland. Driving in Finland during the winter months can be hazardous. Icy road conditions are common. If driving in Finland, the vehicle must be winterized with studded snow tires and engine heaters are strongly recommended. When driving at night, drivers must be alert to moose wandering onto major roadways. There have been incidents of moose being struck by vehicles, causing severe damage to the vehicle and even death to the occupants. For specific information concerning Finnish driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Finland National Tourist Organization offices in New York via the Internet at http://www.mek.fi. The e-mail address is med@mek.fi.
