Scandinavian Cultural Center

Brief Overview

(from CIA World Factbook)

Official Name: Republic of Finland
Capital City: Helsinki
Area: 130,127 mi sq (337,030 km sq)
Government: Constitutional Republic
European Union Member State
Languages: Finnish and Swedish
Currency: Euro
Historic Currency: Markka
Population: 5.2 million
Real GDP per capita: $24,996
National Anthem: "Our Land" Lyrics by Johan Ludvig Runeberg, music by Fredrik Pacius. Adopted in 1948.

Fun Facts

• The most recent version of the flag was adopted 29 May 1918. The white represents snow while blue symbolizes the lakes.
• Only 8% of Finland is arable.
• The sauna (pronounced with "ow", not the American "ah") is the national pastime.
• Talking while your hands are in your pockets is impolite.