Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FINLAND
Finland is well-known for its unique natural beauty, including 188,000 lakes, 179,000
islands, and Europe's biggest archipelago. Known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”
in summer, it is an artistic array of color in autumn, dazzling white in winter, and
awash in green beauty in spring. Finland definitely is a country for all seasons.
Finnish and Swedish are the two languages spoken most frequently. English is
a second language for many Finns, particularly for those involved in tourism and
transportation, which is common in most European countries.
Because they share a common border, Finland and Russia have long been as-
sociated in one way or another. During the Napoleonic Wars, Russia invaded Fin-
land, and it became a Russian grand duchy in 1809. Finnish nationalism grew,
however, and the Finns proclaimed their independence in 1917. The Finns were
again defeated by Soviet troops in the beginning of World War II. In the late 1980s
the Soviet's political demise fostered development of closer relations with Western
Europe and in 1995 Finland joined the European Union.
Finland is still considered a gateway between East and West. If you've always
wanted to visit Russia, now's your chance. There are daily rail connections from
Helsinki to Vyborg, St. Petersburg, and Moscow.
For tourist information, contact the Finnish Tourist Board Offices in North America:
New York:
655 Third Ave., Suite 1810, New York, NY 10017;
Tel:
(800)
346-4636.
E-mail:
mek.usa@mek.fi
or
info@goscandinavia.com;
Banking
Currency:
Euro (€)
Exchange rate at press time:
€0.72 = U.S. $1.00
Hours:
0900-1600 Monday-Friday. Hours may vary regionally. Foreign currency
and traveler's checks can also be exchanged in the following currency exchange
offices: Katajanokka Harbor, Helsinki, open 0900-1800 daily and during the arrival
and departure of ships, and the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, open 0630-2300 daily.
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