Finland

Finland is a country in northern Europe. It is called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, but it actually has about 188,000 lakes! Finland is known for saunas, thick forests, and being the official home of Santa Claus.

Land and People

About 5.5 million people live in Finland. The capital is Helsinki. The country is covered in forests and lakes. In the north, called Lapland, you can see the Northern Lights and reindeer wander freely.

A Stone Age tool shaped like a bear's head.
A Stone Age tool shaped like a bear's head. (Museovirasto - Musketti, Arkeologian esinekokoelma / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Almost every home in Finland has a sauna, a hot steam room. Finns say Santa Claus lives in Korvatunturi in Lapland. Finnish schools are some of the best in the world and kids get lots of recess. People eat rye bread, berries, and salmon.

Fun Facts

  • Finland has about 188,000 lakes and over 3 million saunas.
  • Finnish children do not start school until they are 7 years old.
  • Rovaniemi, Finland is the official hometown of Santa Claus.

Did You Know?

Finland has more saunas than cars. There are about 3 million saunas for 5.5 million people. Saunas are so important that many Finns have one in their home. Some apartments even have their own sauna in the bathroom.