Finland is a Nordic country found in Northern Europe. It is not as well-known as its Scandinavian neighbours, but it has a colourful history and is full of culture. The country has some laws that are considered quirky, and others that make it seem the most sensible country in the world. 

So, there it is, proof that Finland is at times down right crazy, yet probably the best place to live ever. What's not to like? For a place that cold, they have some warm-hearted people. Check out these 14 fun and quirky facts about the Land of the Thousand Lakes.

  • 1

    National Failure Day

    National Failure Day

    Finland created a National Failure Day in 2010. It certainly sounds weird, yet it makes sense as it permits Finnish people to learn from their mistakes and not repeat them. It's celebrated each year on October 13th.

  • 2

    Caffeine addicts

    Caffeine addicts
    • Alimentação

    With an average of 12 kg per year, Finnish people drink more coffee per person than anyone else in the world.

  • 3

    Odd competitions

    Odd competitions
    • Aventura

    Finland hosts a whole bunch of odd competitions, including wife carrying, mobile phone throwing, air guitar and boot throwing.

  • 4

    Hello!

    Hello!

    There are no payphones in Finland. Is this because it's the home of Nokia?

  • 5

    Small change

    Small change

    Finland has adopted Euro currency on 1st January 1999, but has given up on the 2 and 3 cent coins, too fiddly?

  • 6

    Top notch education system

    Top notch education system
    • Famílias

    Finland has been ranked for years among the 5 best countries in the world for its excellent education system.

  • 7

    Fair traffic laws

    Fair traffic laws

    Traffic violation fines depend on how much you earn: in 2002 a man was fined 116,000EUR – he had a yearly income of 7 million.

    foto de Kahvilokki (CC BY-SA 4.0) modificada

  • 8

    Hot and cold game

    Hot and cold game

    In Finland, it’s the norm to have a sauna in your house... and to jump in a lake after you've had one, even in the harsh winter.

    foto de Math (CC BY-SA 2.5) modificada

  • 9

    Midnight sun

    Midnight sun
    • Viagens alternativas

    In June and July, the sun doesn't drop below the horizon.

  • 10

    Polar night

    Polar night
    • Viagens alternativas

    In the winter, the sun never reaches the horizon.

    foto de Osopolar (CC BY-SA 3.0) modificada

  • 11

    Alternative accommodation choice

    Alternative accommodation choice

    You can hire igloos to stay in if you don't fancy the Helsinki hotels, when the temperature is -30ºC outside, they stay at a balmy -3ºC.

  • 12

    Let there be light

    Let there be light

    You must keep the head lights on in the car, even during the day.

    foto de Brylie (CC0 1.0) modificada

  • 13

    Honesty and integrity

    Honesty and integrity

    Finland has one of the least corrupt governments in the world. It’s been ranked among the 5 least corrupt countries in the world since 2010.

    foto de Kiwiev (CC0 1.0) modificada

  • 14

    Headbangers’ paradise

    Headbangers’ paradise

    Finland is home to one of the largest number of Heavy Metal bands, with 53 per 100 000 people.

    foto de Vassil (CC BY 3.0) modificada