Facts and figures

Finland

Area: 338,000 sq km of which 10% water.
Population: 5.3 million inhabitants.
Population density: 17 inhabitants per sq km land
Languages: Finland has two official languages: 92.3% speak Finnish and 5.6% Swedish. About 1,600 inhabitants in Lapland speak Sámi.
Religion: 84.9% Lutheran, 1.1% Orthodox, 1.1% other denominations,12.9% unaffiliated.
Form of government: republic, headed by president Mrs.Tarja Halonen, elected by direct popular vote for the second six-year term (from March 2006). The Parliament consists of one chamber of 200 members elected for a four-year term.
Security policy: Finland observes a policy of neutrality and is not a member of any military alliance. Member of the European Union since 1995.
National epic: The Kalevala (Kalevala Day on February 28)
Capital: Helsinki (the centre of government, business, culture and science)
Metropolitan area: Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa

Helsinki

Area: 185 sq km; metropolitan area 764 sq km
Inhabitants: Helsinki 578,000; metropolitan area ca. 1 million
Population density: 3,034 inhabitants per sq km land; in the metropolitan area 1,299 inhabitants per sq km land
Mayor of Helsinki: Mr Jussi Pajunen