Living in Finland

Finland lies in Northern Europe between Sweden, Norway and Russia and borders the Baltic Sea to the south and west. Around 5.5 million people live there. Forests, lakes and the extensively indented coastline shape the country. Winters in the south are generally somewhat milder, while the north remains cold for long periods and very bright in summer. Many people live in well-connected cities or suburbs; outside larger centers, greater distances and having a car are more common in everyday life. In Helsinki and other cities, buses, trains and bicycles make commuting easier. Jobs can be found, among other sectors, in services, industry, technology and forestry. Sauna visits, nature, winter sports and spending time together are common parts of leisure in many places.