(self-name - Suomi) is a state in northern Europe. By land it borders on Norway in the north, Russia in the northeast and east, and Sweden in the northwest. It is separated from Germany and Poland by the Baltic Sea. Beyond the Gulf of Finland lie Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Not a single point, even the most remote point of the state, is located further than 300 km from the sea. Almost a quarter of Finland's territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle.
The name of the country comes from the Swedish Finland - “country of the Finns”.
Official name: Republic of Finland (Suomi).
Capital:
The area of the land: 338,145 sq. km
Total Population: 5.3 million people
Administrative division: Finland is divided into 12 states (provinces) and 450 self-governing communes (kunta), the Åland Islands have autonomous status.
Form of government: Parliamentary republic.
Head of State: President, elected for a term of 6 years.
Population composition: 74% - Finns, 10% - Russians, 7% - Estonians, 3.7% - Swedes, 3% - Sami, 2% - Gypsies, 1.5% - Somalis, 0.5% - Jews 0.3% - Tatars
Official language: Finnish and Swedish.
Religion: 90% are the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1% are Orthodox.
Internet domain: .fi, .ax (for Åland Islands)
Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +358
Country barcode: 640-649
Climate
Moderate continental, in the north it experiences a powerful “warming” influence of the North Atlantic Current, in the southwest it is transitional from temperate marine to continental. Characterized by mild, snowy winters and fairly warm summers. The highest temperature in summer is from +25 C to +30 C, and the average temperature is about +18 C, while the water temperature in shallow lakes and on the sea coast quickly reaches +20 C and above.
In winter, temperatures often drop below -20 C, but average temperatures range from -3 C in the south (with frequent thaws) to -14 C in the north of the country. Above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set below the horizon for 73 days in summer, and in winter the polar night (“kaamos”) sets in, lasting up to 50 days. Precipitation is 400-700 mm. per year, there is snow in the south of the country for 4 - 5 months, in the north - about 7 months. However, the west coast receives less precipitation than the inland lake regions. The wettest month is August, the driest period is April-May.
Geography
A state in Northern Europe, in the east of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It borders on Russia in the south and east, Norway in the north, and Sweden in the west. The southern coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia of the Baltic Sea.
Finland also includes the Åland Islands (Ahvenanmaa archipelago) - about 6.5 thousand small low islands off the southwestern coast of the country.
Most of the country is occupied by hilly-moraine plains with numerous rock outcrops and an extensive network of lakes and rivers (there are 187,888 lakes in the country!). Up to 1/3 of the entire surface of the country is swampy. In the north-west of the country stretches the eastern tip of the Scandinavian Mountains (the highest point is the city of Haltia, 1328 m). The shores of the Baltic Sea are low and dotted with numerous islands and skerries. The total area of Finland is 338 thousand square meters. km.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Almost 2/3 of Finland's territory is covered with forests, supplying valuable raw materials for the wood processing and pulp and paper industries. The country is home to northern and southern taiga forests, and in the extreme southwest there are mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests. Maple, elm, ash and hazel penetrate up to 62° N, apple trees are found at 64° N. Coniferous species extend to 68°N. Forest-tundra and tundra extend to the north.
A third of Finland's territory is covered by wetlands (including wetland forests).
Animal world
The fauna of Finland is very poor. Usually the forests are inhabited by elk, squirrel, hare, fox, otter, and less commonly, muskrat. Bear, wolf and lynx are found only in the eastern regions of the country. The world of birds is diverse (up to 250 species, including black grouse, wood grouse, hazel grouse, partridge). In rivers and lakes there are salmon, trout, whitefish, perch, pike perch, pike, vendace, and in the Baltic Sea - herring.
Attractions
First of all, Finland is famous for its rivers and lakes, which turn it into a real “mecca” of water tourism and fishing in Europe, as well as for its carefully protected nature, beautiful wildlife and excellent opportunities for winter sports. In summer, the magnificent coast of the Baltic Sea and thousands of lakes provide good opportunities to swim just a few hundred kilometers from the Arctic Circle, and interesting hiking or cycling trips, hunting and rafting will not leave any tourist indifferent.
Banks and currency
The official currency of Finland is the Euro. One Euro is equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 Euros, coins in denominations of 1, 2 Euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents.
Banks are usually open on weekdays from 9.15 to 16.15, weekends are Saturday and Sunday. All banks are closed on holidays.
You can exchange currency in banks, in some post offices ("Postipankki"), in many hotels, seaports and at Helsinki Airport (the most favorable rate is in bank branches), often you must present a passport for exchange. Cash can also be obtained from ATMs. Credit cards from the world's leading systems have become widespread - you can use them to make payments in most hotels, shops, restaurants, car rental offices and even in some taxis. Most banks can also cash traveler's checks.
Useful information for tourists
Regular store opening hours are from 10.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 10.00 to 15.00 on Saturdays. In big cities, many large department stores are open until 20.00 on weekdays.
In Finland, traffic is on the right. Bus service operates on approximately 90% of roads in Finland. Express buses provide reliable and fast connections between densely populated areas of the country.
Northern Europe includes states located on the Scandinavian Peninsula - Norway, Sweden, Finland, as well as on the large island of Iceland in the Atlantic. These states occupy 112 million hectares of territory, more than half of which is occupied by forests and forest lands. In Northern Europe, according to the nature of forests, two subzones are distinguished - coniferous forests (northwestern taiga) and deciduous forests.
The coniferous forest region is the western extremity of the greatest subzone of taiga forests, extending along Northern Europe and.
The forests of Northern Europe are dominated by two coniferous species: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies).
The broadleaf forest region represents part of the broadleaf forest subzone covering Western, Central and Eastern Europe. In the countries of Northern Europe there are oak, beech, common ash, elm and linden. Birch and aspen are less common. The average forest cover in Finland is 61%, Sweden -57, Norway - 27. These are the largest forest exporters in Europe (coniferous lumber, pulp and paper).
Forests of Norway
The area of the country is 324 thousand km 2; together with the Spitsbergen archipelago, the Jan Mayen Islands and others - 387 thousand km 2. Population - over 4.9 million people. Almost 65% of the country's territory is occupied by flat-topped massifs and plateaus (fjelds), which are part of the Scandinavian mountain system. The climate of the coastal strip is soft and humid, in the mountains it is more severe.
In the mountainous areas adjacent to, the average annual precipitation reaches 2000 mm, in the north (Finmark) and on the eastern slopes - 300-800 mm.
Three vegetation zones are identified on the territory of the country: tundra, forest-tundra, and temperate forests. The tundra occupies the northern part of the country. In the Scandinavian mountains (above 1100 m above sea level) it extends far to the south. The vegetation cover is dominated by lichens, mosses, dwarf birch, juniper, cloudberries, and in the forest-tundra there are birch and spruce woodlands and lingonberries and blueberries are widespread.
Forests extend south of 70° N. w. In the mountains in the north of the country they reach a height of 300-500 m, in the middle part - up to 1000-1100 m. The taiga subzone is dominated by coniferous forests: Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris).
In Finnmark, spruce forests extend along river valleys far to the north. Closed dark coniferous spruce forests grow mainly in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country. On the west coast they are found in isolated areas in places protected from harsh winds, on podzolic and mountain-podzolic soils. In the mountains, the upper limit of coniferous forests passes at an altitude of 400 m in the north and 900 m in the south of the country. Higher up there are deciduous forests, mostly birch, and crooked forests are common. Pine forests are found everywhere, but their main tracts are concentrated in the eastern part of the country and in the west. The northern border of pine forests reaches 70° N. w.
South of 61° N. w. coniferous forests give way to mixed forests, and in the extreme south to deciduous forests. Broad-leaved species predominate up to an altitude of 300-400 m above sea level and are represented by pedunculate oak (Quereus robur) and beech (Fagus sylvatica), forming forest areas on brown forest soils.
Small-leaved species - birch (downy and drooping, or warty), gray alder - are widespread in the forest zone and are found mixed with conifers or form mixed forests with oak and beech in the south. The main reserves of aspen are concentrated in the southern regions of Norway.
Forest swamps and swampy forests are common throughout the taiga zone. On the coast and islands, heathers are widely represented, interspersed with meadows and swamps. The total area of forest lands is 8.9 million hectares. 8.3 million hectares are directly occupied by forests, including coniferous - 5.7 million hectares (68.6%), deciduous - 2.6 million hectares (31.3%). Shrubs occupy 0.6 million hectares. The average forest cover of the country in relation to the total area is 27%, in relation to the landmass of the mainland - 33.2%.
According to the form of ownership, Norway's forests are divided into state (1.37 million hectares), public (0.2 million hectares) and private (5.5 million hectares). Of the total timber reserve of 512 million m3, coniferous species account for 425 million m3 (82.8%). For individual tree species, the reserve is distributed as follows: spruce - 52%, pine - 31, birch - 14, oak, beech and other deciduous trees - 3%. The total annual increase in wood in exploited forests is 16.5 million m3, including the net increase (without bark) of coniferous species - 12.5 million m3, deciduous - 3.1 million m3. The average wood supply per 1 hectare in exploited forests is 62 m 3 , including 75 m 3 in coniferous forests and 34 m 3 in deciduous forests; in some areas it ranges from 55 to 85 m3.
Over the past 30 years, the timber supply in Norway's productive forests has increased by 34%, growth by 50%. This was achieved by changing the age structure of the forest, better forest care, land reclamation, application of mineral fertilizers, etc. The estimated volume of forest use is 9-9.5 million m 3, but in fact the volume of harvesting in recent years has reached 8.7- 9 million m3, including commercial timber 7.8-8.0 million m3.
Only 65-70% of the annual timber growth in the country is cut down. Most of the forest areas are well regenerated naturally. Where this does not happen, forest crops are created. When restoring forests, mainly common spruce is used, which is planted on the best. On soils of average productivity, mixed crops of pine and spruce are allowed. On poor soils, pine is used for afforestation. In the northern regions, reforestation is carried out due to birch. Forest crops are created by sowing and planting (the latter method predominates). By 2008, reforestation work had been carried out on an area of 594 thousand hectares. In 2009, forest crops, mainly coniferous, were planted on an area of 27 thousand hectares. It is expected that from 2010 to 2035, 875 thousand hectares of forest crops will be created, including about 35 thousand hectares on non-forest lands and 840 thousand hectares on areas freed from felling.
It has been established that in pine crops the percentage of empty planting places is almost 2 times higher than in spruce crops. Pine crops are more often damaged by fires, forest animals and suffer from snow blows. The productivity of forest crops is 20 - 30% higher than the productivity of natural forests. Norway has a reserve area (silviculture fund) for afforestation work: about 500 thousand hectares of the country's land cannot be used in agriculture due to their low productivity. Forestry on these lands will make it possible in the future to obtain an additional 2 million m3 of wood annually.
All forestry work, as well as the study of the forest fund, is carried out under the guidance of forest specialists from the Department of State Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture. It also manages the activities of authorities in protected areas. The country has 3 national parks and 30 nature reserves. The largest national park is Børgefjell (about 110 thousand hectares). It consists of a mountain range extending at an altitude of 450-1700 meters above sea level: spruce, birch and willow forests with a unique fauna (elk, wolverine, arctic fox). Ronnan National Park (57.5 thousand hectares) includes a mountain range with spruce and small-leaved forests, northern fauna (reindeer, elk, otter and various species of birds). The North Cape Hornvika Park, located in Finnmark on the island of Magere, has a typical tundra landscape and picturesque fjords.
The largest of the reserves is Junkerdalsura (44 thousand hectares). It includes part of the river basin. Lenselv with distinctive plant communities. On the Dovrefjell plateau in the Fonstumur nature reserve (900 ha), birch forests, swamps and lakes with interesting avifauna are preserved. In the vicinity of Oslo, the Nordmark Nature Reserve (2800 hectares) has been created. It contains broad-leaved and coniferous forests.
Forests of Sweden
The total area of the country is 450 thousand km 2. Population - about 9.5 million people. The predominant terrain is a flat-hilly plateau with numerous lakes. The Scandinavian Mountains extend to the north-west of Sweden. The climate of northern Sweden is continental, with long, harsh and snowy winters; in the central part - moderate; in the south - soft, sea. Precipitation amounts range from 280-300 mm in the north to 1000 mm in the southwest of the country. The soil cover is dominated by podzolic soils. In the south of Sweden there are brown soils.
Sweden is one of the most forested countries in Europe: over half (51%) of its territory is covered with forest. The total area of forest land is 27.3 million hectares, of which 1.5 million hectares are unforested, which is 5% of the land. Forests occupy 23.4 million hectares, bushes - 2.4 million hectares. The country's forested area is divided into two regions: the coniferous forest region, lying north of 60° N. sh., and an area of deciduous-coniferous forests, often called the beech forest area due to the predominance of beech in it.
In the area of coniferous forests, the most common species are Scots pine and Norway spruce. The deciduous trees that grow here are birch and aspen. The southern part of the area is characterized by ash (Fraxinus excelsior), elm (Ulmus glabra), maple (Acer platanoibes), linden (Tilia cordata) and oak (Q. robur). In the area of deciduous-coniferous forests, in addition to beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak species (Q. robur and Q. sessililora) are widespread. Ash, maple and elm are found in large areas. There are no natural coniferous forests in this area, but cultivated plantations, mainly spruce, are quite common.
The composition of forest species is homogeneous. Spruce (45%) and pine (40%) predominate. The share of deciduous trees (mainly birch) accounts for 15%. The age composition of forests is characterized by equal participation of young, middle-aged and mature plantations. The logging turnover in the south of the country is set at 80-100 years, in the central part - 100-120 years, in the north - over 120 years. 55-60% of cut-down areas in the country are restored naturally, and 40-45% - artificially.
Large volumes of thinning are carried out, which provide almost half of the harvested volume of wood. The total timber reserves in the country are 2,288 million m3. The average wood supply per 1 hectare is 97 m2. Coniferous plantings with a reserve of up to 50 m 3 /ha occupy 24% of the area, from 50 to 150 m 3 /ha - 50%, over 150 m 3 /ha - 26% of the territory. The distribution of wood reserves per 1 hectare of plantations and deciduous trees is similar. Annual wood growth is 78 million m3, or 3.4 m3/ha. The share of coniferous species accounts for about 85% of the increase, and the share of deciduous species - 15%. In the forests of Sweden, high-density plantings predominate - 62%, medium-density ones occupy 33%, low-density ones - 5%. The average annual volume of wood harvesting in Sweden over the past 10 years is 52.7 million m3. Timber harvesting volumes reach only 80% of annual growth.
Of all harvested timber, coniferous species account for about 89%, and deciduous species - 11%. Industrial wood makes up 88% of the harvest, firewood - 12%. Swedish forestry products provide raw materials for one of the country's leading industries - the wood processing industry. In terms of paper and cardboard production, Sweden ranks fifth in the capitalist world (after the USA and Canada). Every year Sweden imports wood pulp from Finland and Norway.
Research work in forestry and training of specialists is carried out by the Higher Forestry School in Stockholm. Sweden has adopted a law providing for mandatory reforestation of logging sites. In accordance with this law, the forest owner is obliged to ensure the renewal of logging areas with valuable species: in southern Sweden - within 2-3 years, in northern Sweden - no later than 10 years after cutting. The implementation of the law is monitored by state forest inspectors. The cultivation of forests on waste lands is encouraged. In these cases, the state assumes half of the costs. In the mountainous regions, in the north and north-west of the country, forest management is limited, since forests here play a soil-protective and water-regulating role.
In the southern agricultural regions, great importance is attached to protective afforestation.
Much attention is paid to drainage work in Sweden. Forest crops of pine, spruce and larch are grown on drained peatlands. The use of mineral fertilizers gives good results. Of the total forested area of Sweden, the state owns 18%, other public organizations - 6, industrial companies - 26 and private owner-farmers - 50%. Public and state forests are concentrated mainly in Northern Sweden. All state forests are divided into 10 districts with an area of approximately 90-800 thousand hectares. On the territory of each district there are 8-14 revires (forestry farms) with an area of 10-70 thousand hectares. Reveres are divided into 3-8 district forest districts. Reveres are complex farms that carry out forest exploitation, forest growing, nature conservation, and hunting on their territory. State forests are managed by the State Forests Department of the Ministry of Industry. In private forests, management is carried out by the Department of Private Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture. The country has 16 national parks (600 thousand hectares), 850 forest reserves (51 thousand hectares), more than 600 natural monuments and about 400 natural parks for organized recreation. The largest national parks are Abisko, Muddus and Sarek Shefallet.
Forests of Finland
The country's territory is 337 thousand km 2, along with almost 60 thousand lakes, which in some areas occupy up to 50% of the territory. Population - about 5.4 million people. The climate of the interior regions of the country is temperate continental, while the coastal regions are maritime. Most of Finland's territory is occupied by taiga-type forests. The main tree species are pine (over 50% of the forested area) and spruce (about 25%). Birch is widespread, forming continuous tracts in places in the north. In the extreme south of the country, along the Gulf of Finland, mixed forests stretch, where oak, elm, maple, and hazel grow along with pine and spruce. In the southwestern part of the country and on the Alan Islands there are separate groves with oak and ash. In the mountains there is an altitudinal zonation of vegetation. The lower parts of the slopes are covered with coniferous trees; higher up there are birch forests, which are replaced even higher by mountain-tundra vegetation. Alder is found along river valleys and in moist areas of the sea and lake coasts. Heather and various northern berry plants play a significant role in the grass and shrub cover of forests.
About 1/3 of the country's area is occupied by swamps. The most characteristic of the country are forested raised bogs (ryams), found mainly in the south. They usually grow low-growing pines. In lower areas blueberries, wild rosemary, dwarf birch and sphagnum moss are abundant. About 1/6 of the total swamp area is occupied by lowland forest swamps. Spruce and birch grow here, and among the shrubs there are blueberries and lingonberries; grass cover is well developed.
According to forest fund records, the area of forest land in Finland (according to 2005 estimates) is 22.3 million hectares. Closed forests occupy 18.7 million hectares, of which coniferous forests - 17.1 million hectares, deciduous forests - 1.6 million hectares. The area under bushes is 3.7 million hectares. According to productivity, forest lands are divided into: productive, with an average increase of more than 1 m 3 / ha, unproductive, with an average increase of less than 1 m 3 / ha, and unproductive, represented by wastelands (rocky lands, sands, swamps). In terms of total forest area, Finland ranks second among the capitalist countries of Europe (after Sweden), and in terms of forest cover it ranks first - 61%. In most parts of the country, forest cover exceeds 60-70%; in the south, where agriculture is most developed, it drops to 40-50%. About 60-70% of forest land is privately owned. Timber companies own about 10% of the forests.
In the center of the country, coniferous and mixed forests predominate, in the north - deciduous forests, formed mainly by downy birch (Betula pubescens).
According to the classification adopted in the country, forests are divided into five classes. The first class includes dry forests with a homogeneous tree stand (mainly pine). The second class is fresh moss forests of spruce, pine and birch. Forests with a diverse composition of species constitute the third class. The fourth class includes damp forests with spruce, alder and aspen. The fifth class includes swamp forests of pine, less often spruce and birch. The main types of pine forests are lingonberries and blueberries, spruce forests are blueberries and sorrel-blueberries. The average age of forests is about 90 years; in the south it is approximately 60 years, in the north - 130 years.
The total standing timber reserve is 1.5 billion m 3, including 1.2 billion m 3 (81.6%) of coniferous species. The net annual increase is determined at 55.8 million m 3. Annual timber harvest in the period 1995-2005. reached a size of 44-48 million m 3, including coniferous 35-37 million m 3, deciduous 9-11 million m 3. Of the total amount of harvested timber, commercial timber accounts for 35 million m 3 . The volume of timber harvesting in 2009 amounted to 48 million m3. The Forestry Planning Committee has developed a program of forestry activities, which provides for a felling volume of 47 million m 3 . There is a planned transition from selective logging to restoration logging of overmature and low-productivity forests, an increase in the volume of reforestation work, and an increase in the productivity of forest lands.
Along with natural reforestation, artificial afforestation is used on a large scale in the country. Forest crops of pine are created by sowing and planting, spruce - only by planting. The area occupied by forest crops is determined to be 1.7 million hectares. Every year, 145 thousand hectares of area are allocated for planting. Conifers (mainly pine) predominate in forest plantations.
Much attention is paid to reclamation work. About 2.5 million hectares of swamps and forested wetlands have been drained in the country. Another 4.7 million hectares of area are subject to further drainage, of which 2.8 million hectares are swamps suitable for afforestation after drainage, 1 million hectares - after drainage and application of fertilizers; 0.9 million hectares are swampy forest areas that require drainage. It is believed that the average annual growth of wood on drained lands in the north of the country reaches 3 m 3 /ha, in the middle part - 4-5, in the south - 7 m 3 / ha. To increase forest productivity, Finnish foresters carry out a number of measures to fertilize forest lands. The construction of a permanent network of roads is envisaged in forest plantations. There are more than 12.5 thousand km of roads. Wood processing is a leading branch of the forest industry. The products are mainly exported, accounting for more than 2/3 of the country's total exports.
In total exports, the share of pulp and paper products is about 50%, woodworking products - about 20%.
To preserve local landscapes and valuable populations of tree species, the country has created 15 strictly protected natural parks (87 thousand hectares), 9 national parks (about 105 thousand hectares), more than 350 nature reserves, and approximately 1000 natural monuments. Of the national parks, the largest are Lemmenjoki (38.5 thousand hectares), Oulanka (10.7 thousand hectares), Pallas-Ounastunturi (50 thousand hectares); from natural parks - Pisavara (5 thousand hectares).
Forests of Iceland
Territory - 103 thousand km 2. Population - 319 thousand people. There are about 140 and several hundred hot springs and geysers on the island. About 14% of the territory is occupied by glaciers, vast areas are covered with volcanic lava. The climate is subpolar, oceanic. Winter is mild, damp, with thaws; Summer is cool and cloudy. The position of the island near the Arctic Circle and the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean on the climate give originality and special flavor to the nature of the country. Characterized by numerous transitions from tundra soils, where the main type of vegetation is shrub tundra, to podzolic soils of the forest zone. Low-growing forests (2-3 m), severely destroyed since the settlement of the island, are currently formed by birches, willows, mountain ash and juniper bushes. About 90% of the forest area is shrubby small forest. In the past, most of the country was covered with sparse birch forests, but to date, as a result of human economic activity, the area of these forests has decreased significantly and amounts to 100 thousand hectares. Forest cover is 0.01%. The species composition of the remaining forests is very poor: birch (Betula pubescens), mixed with rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), willows and common juniper (Juniperus communis). The best birch plantings at 40-50 years of age have a height of 6-8 m and give an annual increase of 1-2 m 3 /ha. Since the beginning of the 20th century. In Iceland, mostly coniferous trees are planted. Of all the introduced species, the Siberian pine pine (Pinus sibieica) acclimatized better than others. Good results are also obtained by Siberian larch (Larix sibirica), the height of which at 24-25 years of age reaches 7.5-10 m. Among other exotics, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), gray spruce (Picea glauca) and prickly spruce ( Picea pungens). A large place in forest plantings is given to Norway spruce. The total area of newly created forest plantations in Iceland is 4 thousand hectares, the volume of annual silvicultural work is 100-200 hectares. Forestry in the country is managed by the Association of Icelandic Foresters and the State Forest Service. To protect the most picturesque landscapes, 6 nature reserves with an area of over 15 thousand hectares and one national park - Thingvellir (4 thousand hectares) were created.
Finland is a country in northern Europe, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement. A significant part of Finland's territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle (25%). Area - 337,000 sq. km. On land it borders with Sweden (border is 586 km), Norway (border is 716 km) and Russia (border is 1265 km), the maritime border with Estonia runs along the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea. The length of the coastline is 1100 km. The highest point of the country is the city of Halti (Haltiatunturi) 1,328 m. There are about 60,000 lakes in the country.
As of 2008, there were 35 national parks in Finland - areas that are home to rare or valuable species of animals and plants, have landscape features, and unique natural objects. Their total area exceeds eight thousand square kilometers. According to Finnish law, anyone can walk freely in national parks.
Finland (Suomi in Finnish) is the fifth largest country in Europe, not counting the Russian Federation. Finland is located in the north of the continent, and along with Iceland, Finland is the northernmost state in the world.
Most of Finland is lowland, but in the northeast some mountains reach heights of more than 1000 meters. Geologically, Finland sits on an ancient granitic bedrock that was formed during the Ice Age, traces of which are visible, for example, in the complex system of lakes and archipelagos and the huge boulders found throughout the country.
Finland is divided into three main geographical regions: the coastal lowlands, the inland lake system and the northern upper reaches. Coastal lowlands stretch along the shores of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia, along the shores of which there are thousands of rocky islands; The main archipelagos are the Aland islands (Finnish name Ahvenanmaa) and the Turku archipelago.
The largest length of Finland is 1160 km and width 540 km. The longest river in Finland is Kemijoki 512 km. There are about 200,000 lakes in Finland. The number of lakes in the country is 187,880 (but it all depends on what is considered a lake). Lakes are often connected by rivers and canals to form large lake systems. Lake Suur-Saimaa, with an area of about 4,400 km2, is the largest lake in Finland and ranks 4th largest among lakes located in Europe.
Finnish Lapland covers an area of approximately 100,000 km2. Europe's largest areas of untouched nature are found in Lapland, which is also characterized by rugged mountains and low hills, as well as national parks that provide an unforgettable experience.
On the southwestern coast, the strongly dissected coastline develops into Finland's largest archipelago - the Skerry Sea - unique in the whole world, thanks to the unique variety of islands of various sizes. The Lakes Region is an inland plateau south of the center of the country with dense forests and a large number of lakes, swamps and swamps. The northern upper reaches, most of which are located above the Arctic Circle, have rather poor soils and are the least populated region of Finland. In the far north, arctic forests and swamps are gradually replaced by tundra.
Statistical indicators of Finland
(as of 2012)
Finland has more than 30,000 coastal islands, of which the islands of the southwestern archipelago are the most famous for their beauty. The Åland Islands are located between Finland and Sweden. The district became autonomous in 1922 under an agreement concluded in Geneva. The Åland Islands include 6,500 named islands, of which 65 are inhabited.
The largest cities in the country are Helsinki, Turku, Tampere. The capital of Finland is Helsinki, a vibrant modern city with a population of more than half a million.
Minerals of Finland
In Finland, mineral reserves are insignificant; mining began relatively recently. In 1993, it accounted for less than 1% of the total value of all industrial products. Finland is one of the largest suppliers of raw steatite blocks (soapstone) and finished granite products (granite fountains, tables, steps, etc.).
Among industrial minerals, zinc ranks first in production, but Finland's share in its global production is small. Copper comes next, mined in Pyhäsalmi and Outokumpu, followed by vanadium and iron ore. Valuable deposits of nickel ores were transferred to the USSR in 1945, but this loss was partially compensated by the discovery later of deposits of copper, nickel, zinc and lead. New deposits of iron ore have been found in the sea near the Åland Islands and off the island of Yussarø. In Tornio, nickel and chromium are mined, which are used to make alloy steel.
Finland's mineral resources are associated with the main rocks of shales and quartzites in fault zones. In terms of reserves of vanadium, cobalt and chromites it ranks 1st in Western Europe, nickel and titanium 2nd, pyrite and copper 3rd. Deposits of copper-pyrite (Luikonlahti, Outo-kumpu, Hammaslahti and Pyhäsalmi), copper-nickel (Kotalahti, Vuonos, Hitu-ra, Stromi, Nivala), polymetallic ores (Vihanti). There are also deposits of graphite, apatite, asbestos, magnesite, marble, granites, talc and peat.
The main types of natural stone mined in Finland are granite, soapstone (soapstone), marble, and slate deposits are less common. The two most important centers for granite production are the Rapakivi granite deposits in south-east and south-west Finland, while soapstone is produced mainly in the municipality of Juuka, which is located in eastern Finland.
Finland is one of the main exporters of granite and a world leader in the export of soapstone products. The industry's annual turnover is approximately 200 million euros, divided equally between soapstone and granite products. Export volume accounts for approximately 40% of total turnover. Approximately 200 active companies are engaged in business in the natural stone industry - laying natural stone, cladding of houses, buildings, interior decoration.
Water resources of Finland
In Finland there are approx. 190 thousand lakes, occupying 9% of its area. The most famous lake. Saimaa in the southeast, which is important for timber rafting and transportation of goods in inland areas not provided with railways and roads. Lakes Päijänne in the south, Näsijärvi in the southwest and Oulujärvi in central Finland, together with the rivers, also play an important role in water communication.
Numerous small canals connect the country's rivers and lakes, sometimes bypassing waterfalls. The most important is the Saimaa Canal, which connects Lake Saimaa with the Gulf of Finland near Vyborg (part of the canal passes through the territory of the Leningrad Region).
Climate in Finland
The climate in Finland is determined by two competing factors: the warm Gulf Stream current creates a temperate continental climate in southern and central Finland with fairly high average temperatures for these latitudes: in Russia and Canada, with the same location, winters are much harsher.
But the north of Finland is the patrimony of the breath of the Arctic Circle. In winter, the thermometer can drop to minus forty, and the height of the snow cover reaches three meters. There is snow for 7 months of the year, while in southern Finland you can see grass for more than half the year. In the north of the country, above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not fall below the horizon in summer for 73 days, and in winter the sun does not appear above the horizon for almost two months.
In general, the Finnish winter climate can be classified as one of the five most unfavorable for living, but it is all the more remarkable how much a person can do if he is the master of his own home.
Flora and fauna of Finland
Almost two-thirds of Finland's territory is covered with forests, supplying valuable raw materials for the wood processing and pulp and paper industries. The country is home to northern and southern taiga forests, and in the extreme southwest there are mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. Maple, elm, ash and hazel penetrate up to 62° N, apple trees are found at 64° N. Coniferous species extend to 68°N. Forest-tundra and tundra extend to the north.
A third of Finland's territory is covered by wetlands (including wetland forests). Peat is widely used as bedding for livestock and much less frequently for fuel. Reclamation of swamps has been carried out in a number of areas.
The fauna of Finland is very poor. Usually the forests are inhabited by elk, squirrel, hare, fox, otter, and less commonly, muskrat. Bear, wolf and lynx are found only in the eastern regions of the country. The world of birds is diverse (up to 250 species, including black grouse, wood grouse, hazel grouse, partridge). In rivers and lakes there are salmon, trout, whitefish, perch, pike perch, pike, vendace, and in the Baltic Sea - herring.
Finland (Republic of Finland)
The country's territory is 337 thousand km 2, along with almost 60 thousand lakes, which in some areas occupy up to 50% of the territory. Population (at the end of 1977) - about 4.7 million people. The climate of the interior regions of the country is temperate continental, while the coastal regions are maritime. Most of Finland's territory is occupied by taiga-type forests. The main tree species are pine (over 50% of the forested area) and spruce (about 25%). Birch is widespread, forming continuous tracts in places in the north. In the extreme south of the country, along the Gulf of Finland, mixed forests stretch, where oak, elm, maple, and hazel grow along with pine and spruce. In the southwestern part of the country and on the Alan Islands there are separate groves with oak and ash. In the mountains there is an altitudinal zonation of vegetation. The lower parts of the slopes are covered with coniferous trees; higher up there are birch forests, which are replaced even higher by mountain-tundra vegetation. Alder is found along river valleys and in moist areas of the sea and lake coasts. Heather and various northern berry plants play a significant role in the grass and shrub cover of forests.
About 1/3 of the country's area is occupied by swamps. The most characteristic of the country are forested raised bogs (ryams), found mainly in the south. They usually grow low-growing pines. In lower areas blueberries, wild rosemary, dwarf birch and sphagnum moss are abundant. About 1/5 of the total swamp area is occupied by lowland forest swamps. Spruce and birch grow here, and the shrubs include blueberries and lingonberries; grass cover is well developed.
According to forest fund records, the area of forest land in Finland (according to 1970 estimates) is 22.3 million hectares. Closed forests occupy 18.7 million hectares, of which coniferous forests - 17.1 million hectares, deciduous forests - 1.6 million hectares. The area under bushes is 3.7 million hectares. According to productivity, forest lands are divided into: productive, with an average increase of more than 1 m 3 / ha, unproductive, with an average increase of less than 1 m 3 / ha, and unproductive, represented by wastelands (rocky lands, sands, swamps). In terms of total forest area, Finland ranks second among the capitalist countries of Europe (after Sweden), and in terms of forest cover it ranks first - 61%. In most parts of the country, forest cover exceeds 60-70%; in the south, where agriculture is most developed, it drops to 40-50%. About 60-70% of forest land is privately owned. Timber companies own about 10% of the forests.
In the center of the country, coniferous and mixed forests predominate, in the north - deciduous forests, formed mainly by downy birch (Betula pubescens).
According to the classification adopted in the country, forests are divided into five classes. The first class includes dry forests with a homogeneous tree stand (mainly pine). The second class is fresh moss forests of spruce, pine and birch. Forests with a diverse composition of species constitute the third class. The fourth class includes damp forests with spruce, alder and aspen. The fifth class includes swamp forests of pine, less often spruce and birch. The main types of pine forests are lingonberries and blueberries, spruce forests are blueberries and bilberry. The average age of forests is about 90 years; in the south it is approximately 60 years, in the north - 130 years.
The total standing timber reserve is 1.5 billion m 3, including 1.2 billion m 3 (81.6%) of coniferous species. The net annual increase is determined at 55.8 million m 3. Annual timber harvest in the period 1960-1970. reached a size of 44-48 million m 3, including coniferous 35-37 million m 3, deciduous 9-11 million m 3. Of the total amount of harvested timber, commercial timber accounts for 35 million m 3 . The volume of logging in 1974 amounted to 48 million m 3. The Forestry Planning Committee has developed a program of forestry activities, which provides for a felling volume of 47 million m 3 . There is a planned transition from selective logging to restoration logging of overmature and low-productivity forests, an increase in the volume of reforestation work, and an increase in the productivity of forest lands.
Along with natural reforestation, artificial afforestation is used on a large scale in the country. Forest crops of pine are created by sowing and planting, spruce - only by planting. The area occupied by forest crops is determined to be 1.7 million hectares. Every year, 145 thousand hectares of area are allocated for planting. Conifers (mainly pine) predominate in forest plantations.
Much attention is paid to reclamation work. About 2.5 million hectares of swamps and forested wetlands have been drained in the country. Another 4.7 million hectares of area are subject to further drainage, of which 2.8 million hectares are swamps suitable for afforestation after drainage, 1 million hectares - after drainage and application of fertilizers; 0.9 million hectares are swampy forest areas that require drainage. It is believed that the average annual growth of wood on drained lands in the north of the country reaches 3 m 3 /ha, in the middle part - 4-5, in the south - 7 m 3 / ha. To increase forest productivity, Finnish foresters carry out a number of measures to fertilize forest lands. The construction of a permanent network of roads is envisaged in forest plantations. There are more than 12.5 thousand km of roads. Wood processing is a leading branch of the forest industry. Products are mainly exported, accounting for more than 2/3 of the country’s total exports, YASEN
In total exports, the share of pulp and paper products is about 50%, woodworking products - about 20%.
To preserve local landscapes and valuable populations of tree species, the country has created 15 strictly protected natural parks (87 thousand hectares), 9 national parks (about 105 thousand hectares), more than 350 nature reserves, and approximately 1000 natural monuments. Of the national parks, the largest are Lemmenjoki (38.5 thousand hectares), Oulanka (10.7 thousand hectares), Pallas-Ounastunturi (50 thousand hectares); from natural parks - Pisavara (5 thousand hectares).
ABOUT official name - Republic of Finland.
For centuries part of Sweden and then the Russian Empire, Finland only became an independent state in 1917.
Population- 5.15 million people. National composition: Finns (93%), Swedes (6%), Sami, etc.
Languages- Finnish, Swedish (state), Sami and others.
Religion- Evangelical Lutheran Church (89%), Orthodoxy (1%).
Capital- Helsinki.
Largest cities - Helsinki (500 thousand), Tampere (174 thousand), Turku (160 thousand), Oulu (102 thousand).
Administrative division - 6 provinces.
Form of government- republic.
Head of State - the president.
Head of the government - Prime Minister.
Currency- euro. (Until 2002 - Finnish brand).
Territory:
1,160 km from north to south, 540 km from west to east. Finland's land border with Russia (1269 km) is also the eastern border of the European Union. Total -338,145 sq. km, of which 304,473 are land (~90%). 69% of the territory is covered with forest. The country has 187,888 lakes, 5,100 rapids and 179,584 islands. This c the largest archipelago in Europe, including the semi-autonomous province of Ahvenanmaa (Åland Islands)
Climate:
The climate is maritime in the west and continental in the east and north of the country. The length of the polar day in the north is 73 days, nights - 51. In summer, air temperatures often rise to +20°C or more, sometimes up to +30°C in the southern and eastern parts of the country. In winter, temperatures often drop to -20°C in many places. In winter, the lowest temperatures are consistently observed in Lapland and the province of North Karelia ( Pohjois-Karjala ). The average air temperature in Helsinki in July is + 19.1°C, and in January - 2.7°C.
Geography of Finland
Quite often, Finland is grouped together with the Scandinavian countries - Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland. Occupies an intermediate position between Russia and Sweden. The area of the country is 338 thousand square meters. km. Character of the landscape: vast snowy plains with endless expanses of taiga, bald flat hilltops (tunturi), forest-tundra (in the far north). The highest point is Haltia (1328 m), located in the north of the country.
Finland has access to the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. The country's coastline is 4.5 thousand square meters. km, and the distance from the sea at no point exceeds 300 km. There are 80 thousand islands scattered along the coastline. The surface of Finland is flat. A third of the entire territory of the country is located below 100 m above sea level and only 1/10 is above 300 m. The natural features of Finland are determined by its location in northern latitudes, on the Baltic crystalline shield and the influence of the sea.
Finland- a country of a thousand lakes, white nights, dense forests... Here you will find a truly unforgettable vacation, natural beauty, comfortable hotels, many water parks, SPA -centers, amusement parks and, of course, the inimitable Finnish sauna.
There are more than 300 museums in the country, the main of which are: the National Museum of Finland, the Mannerheim Museum, the Sports Museum, the Ateneum Art Museum (Helsinki); Science Center "Eureka" in the town of Vantaa near Helsinki, Art Museum in Turku; Museum of Contemporary Art in Tampere; Archaeological Museum of Satankunna in Pori; Folklore Museum in Lahti. Among the architectural monuments that deserve attention: the Helsinki Cathedral, built according to the design of K.L. Engel and being part of the impressive architectural ensemble of Senate Square, Finlandia Palace - the last work of the great architect Alvar Aalto and one of the most famous concert halls in Northern Europe, the cathedral built in 1707 in Tampere, Turku Castle - the most significant historical monument in Finland.
The islands of the Baltic Sea also have interesting attractions: the zoo on the island of Korkesaari; sea fortress Suomenlinna (1748). Not far from Helsinki there is the Seurasaari recreation park and the museum of wooden architecture. The large national parks of Finland - Lemmenjoki, Pallas-Ounastunturi, Oulanka - have preserved the unique dark coniferous forests of ancient Europe.
Winter in Finland is snowy, cheerful, generous with fun and entertainment. It gives both adults and children so much pleasure that it is difficult to list them all. And what beauty all around! The snow, dazzlingly white like refined sugar, covers the hills and hills, the mighty forests, the ice-bound lakes, sparkles and shimmers in the sun with blue and pink shadows.. The most interesting, undoubtedly, happens in Lapland, the northernmost part of the country. According to mythology, foxes hunting on the hills scratch their sides on the rocks so that sparks fly into the sky and turn into the northern lights. Here in Lapland lives Santa Claus, or in Finnish – Joulupukki. Celebrating Christmas or New Year with Santa Claus is the dream of millions of children around the world. After all, only there you can not only meet Santa Claus, but also ride reindeer and dog sleds, and take part in a safari on a motorcycle sleigh.