Country Information
Sovereign State | Yes |
Country Codes | FI, FIN, 246 |
Official Name | Republic of Finland |
Continent | Europe |
Capital | Helsinki |
Government Type | Parliamentary republic |
Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Calling Code | +358 |
Member Of | United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, Nordic Council |
Population | Approx. 5.5 million (as of 2023) |
Total Area | 338,424 square kilometers |
Highest Point | Halti (1,324 meters or 4,344 feet) |
Lowest Point | Baltic Sea (0 meters or 0 feet) |
GDP Per Capita | Approx. $48,000 (as of 2023) |
Life Expectancy | Approx. 81 years (as of 2023) |
Internet TLD | .fi |
Finland National Anthem
Maamme (Our Land)
Our land, our land, our fatherland,
Sound loud, O name of worth!
No mount that meets the heaven’s band,
No hidden vale, no wavewashed strand,
Is loved, as is our native North,
Our own forefathers’ earth.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Finland Flag
The flag of Finland, known as the “Siniristilippu” (Blue Cross Flag), was officially adopted on May 29, 1918, shortly after the country declared independence from Russia in 1917.
The design is a blue Nordic cross on a white background. The cross design, which is common among the Nordic countries, represents Christianity. The blue color symbolizes Finland’s lakes and skies, while the white background represents the snow that covers the country in winter.
The idea for the flag came from the coat of arms of Finland, which features a golden lion on a red background, trampling on a sabre and holding a sword. The blue and white colors were chosen for their simplicity and their contrast with the red and gold of the coat of arms, signifying a new era in Finnish history.
Throughout its history, the Finnish flag has become a symbol of national pride and unity. It has undergone minimal changes since its adoption, with the most significant being the shade of blue. The flag is a significant symbol in Finnish culture and is prominently displayed on public buildings, at national events, and in international settings.
The flag is a symbol of Finland’s struggle for independence, its unique cultural identity, and its place among the Nordic nations. It embodies the spirit of the Finnish people, their connection to the land, and their aspirations for peace and freedom. The Finnish flag is an enduring symbol of the country’s history, nature, and the values held by its people.