Source: PIB
Subject: Mapping
Context: The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, is on a State Visit to India and is scheduled to meet the President of India and Prime Minister.
About Finland:
What it is?
- Finland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, known for its strong welfare system, advanced technology sector, and high environmental standards.
- It gained independence from Russia on 6 December 1917 after being part of Sweden and later the Russian Empire.
Capital: Helsinki
Neighbouring Nations:
- Norway, Russia, and Sweden.
- Surrounded by water bodies such as the Gulf of Finland and Gulf of Bothnia.
Key Features:
- Highly Forested Landscape – Nearly two-thirds of Finland is covered by forests, making it one of the most densely forested countries in Europe.
- Land of Lakes – Finland has about 56,000 lakes, with Lake Saimaa being the largest.
- Precambrian Shield – The country sits on an ancient granite shield formed during Precambrian geological periods.
- Glacial Landforms – Landscapes shaped by Ice Age glaciation, producing features like moraines and eskers (gravel ridges).
- Arctic Geography – Around one-third of Finland lies north of the Arctic Circle, experiencing phenomena such as the midnight sun and polar night.
Significance:
- Strategic location in Northern Europe, acting as a bridge between Western Europe and Russia.
- Technological hub known for innovation in telecommunications, digital technology, and clean energy.
