General Information Capital:Helsinki Area:338,144 km (130,558 sq miles).2 Population:5.3 million (2009 estimate). Electricity:220 (230) volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard. IDD:+358 Timezone:GMT +2 Hrs (+3 Hrs MAR-OCT)
Language Language: Finnish 92% and Swedish 6% (both official) other Sami- and Russian-speaking languages.
Government Government: Republic.
Religion Religion: 84% Lutheran Church of Finland, other religious denominations
Health Health: The following vaccinations are recommended: Tetanus.
Business Hours Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 08.00-16.15
Traffic Traffic: Seat belts must be worn by all passengers and headlights must be kept on at all times. Traffic entering from the right has right of way, even when joining a major road from a minor road. Cars towing caravans may not exceed 80kph (50mph). From 1 December until 31 March, snow tires are a legal requirement; they can be hired from rental firms..
Driving License Driving License: National driving licence or International Driving Permit and insurance required..
National Holidays National holidays: Jan 1 New Year"s Day, Jan 6 Epiphany, Easter Holidays (variable), May 1 May Day, Ascension Day (variable), Whit Sunday (variable), Jun 25/26 Midsummer Days, Nov 1 All Saints" Day, Dec 6 Independence Day, Dec 24/25 Christmas Holidays, Dec 26 St. Stephen"s Day
Climate Climate: Cold, temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes.
Mobile Network Mobile Network: GSM 900 / 1800 3G 2100
GPS GPS: 60 10 N, 24 56 E
Shopping Hours Shopping Hours: Mon-Fri: 09.00-18.00 and Sat: 09.00-15.00. Shops are generally open on Sunday from June to August. Many shops are also open 09.00-21.00 during the week and Sat: 09.00-18.00.