Finland
About Finland
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Finnish and Swedish |
| Capital | Helsinki |
The Republic of Finland is located in northern Europe, shares borders with Estonia, Russia, Sweden, and Norway, and has a coastline on the Gulf of Finland. The population is about 5.3 million people. The government is a republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government. Finland has been ruled by Sweden and later by Russia. Although Finland achieved independence in 1917, Russia continued to exert control until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989. Finland became a full member of the Economic Union in 1995.
Finland was the first country in the world where women gained political rights equal to men and the first country in Europe where women gained the right to vote in 1906.
Finland’s economy was mainly agrarian until the 1950s. Now, the country has a modern industrialized economy with a broad-based social welfare system. Finland ranks very high in standard of living, health, education, and quality of life.
Tourism is highly developed with widely available tourist facilities. With about two-thirds of the country in forests and lakes and with 37 national parks, there are many outdoor activities available for travellers.
Recommended Vaccinations For Finland
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers who may have direct contact with bats, e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
**Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in areas where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.**
Recommended Medications For Finland
There are no recommendations for Finland at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Finland
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Finland through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Finland.
For Some Travellers
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies
Rabies occurs only in bats in Finland. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with bats are at higher risk.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
**There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The main affected regions are Åland islands, the archipelago of Southwest Finland, South Karelia, Lapland, Central and Northern Ostrobothnia. Other regions affected include Central and Eastern Finland, Finnish Capital Region, Kymenlaakso, Ostrobothnia, and Uusima. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.**
Safety & Security in Finland
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport.
Snow and ice on roadways during the winter months may make road travel dangerous.
Same-sex sexual activity and marriage are both legal in Finland and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited. LGBTI rights in Finland are some of the most progressive in the world.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
