Sisar Cäpps: Finland!

Learn about Finland!

The Finnish Flag

Location

Finland is one of the Norse countries in north-western Europe, bordered by Russia, Sweden and Norway.

Population

According to the 2014 census, Finland has 5.5 million citizens.

Language

Finland's primary language is Finnish. They also learn Swedish and English as it is a part of their grade school curriculum and speak it often.

Click here to hear the Finnish language

Finnish is said to be one of the most difficult languages to learn. They say that there are only 2 people that can speak the language: people born in the country, and the LDS missionaries.

Govornment

Wikipedia on Politics of Finland says, "Politics of Finland takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic and of a multi-party system. The President of Finland is the head of state, leads the foreign policy, and is the Commander-in-chief of the Defense Forces. The Prime Minister of Finland is the head of government; executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in the Parliament of Finland, and the government has limited rights to amend or extend legislation. The president has the power of veto over parliamentary decisions although it can be overrun by the parliament."

Just in case you were wondering...

Climate

Finland has a climate quite similar to Alaska. It is far enough north to be within the Boreal Zone. Which means it has long freezing winters and short cool to mild "summers." Some joke that there are only two seasons there: winter and spring.

On average, the winter temperatures will stay below 0°c or 32°f. The most sever days in northern Finland can fall to -45°c(-49°f). In southern areas like Helsinki, on rare nights it can get down to -30°c(-22°f).

In the southern summers, though short-lived, it can reach over 30°c(95°f). Yes! Warmth! In the north, we can see temperatures up to 25°c(77°f).

Since a quarter of Finland falls within the Arctic Circle, one can experience the midnight sun. Which means in winters, the sun doesn't rise at all for 51 days, and in summers it doesn't set for 73 days. Hopefully they have sleeping masks and happy lights (therapy lights/lamps that help make up for the lack of sun)!