Welcome to FINLAND: Land of Beauty and Serenity (including winter photos)

November 5, 2011
DUNIA Contributor
Posted in Travel & Places

The Republic of Finland is a Nordic country with a population of about 5.4 million located in northern Europe.

In 2010, Newsweek ranked Finland the best country in the world to live in, based on quality of life, health, education, political environment and economic dynamism. The Nordic country has also been ranked second most stable country in the world.

Finland has enjoyed a rise in tourism in the recent years, partly thanks to the country’s beautiful landscape covered by natural thick pine forests, lakes, natural parks and abundant wildlife.

Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, is located in the southern region of the country and is home to about 1 million people. Helsinki is a metropolitan city with a magnificent public transportation system. Most foreign companies operating in Finland are based in Helsinki.

Did you know that Lapland in northern Finland, precisely Korvatunturi, Rovaniemi is the home of Saint Nicholas – popularly known as Santa Claus?

Finland’s proximity to the North Pole makes it one of the coldest countries in the world. The country’s serenity and calm beauty places it at the top of the list of countries to visit this time of year.

Finland’s winter usually begins in mid-October in the northern parts, and in November in the southern parts of the country.

Winter temperatures typically stay below O degrees with most parts of the country seeing only about 6 hours of daylight during the heart of winter. During this time, the northernmost parts of the country also experience days when the sun doesn’t rise at all, this is known as polar nights. The coldest months are often recorded in January/February.

Finland has been described as The Land Of Winter, and ” … a land of breathtaking beauty and spellbinding atmosphere. A land of unspoiled, snow-covered scenery and magical winter twilight. A land of sleigh rides reindeer and husky dogs,” according to Baltic Travel Company.

Here are some photos by Eija…