Finland has a population of around 5.5 million, with roughly a million of those in the greater Helsinki metropolitan area. The rest of the country is sparsely populated — large areas of the north and east are almost empty.
Finns and Their Reputation
Finns have a reputation for being reserved and introverted, and there's some truth to it. Small talk with strangers is not a cultural habit. Silences in conversation are comfortable, not awkward. Don't mistake quietness for unfriendliness — Finns are warm and hospitable once you get to know them, and they take commitments seriously. If a Finn says they'll do something, they'll do it.
Personal space matters. Queuing is taken seriously. Punctuality is expected. There is a strong streak of direct communication — Finns tend to say what they mean without much preamble.
Languages
Finnish is the mother tongue of about 87% of the population. Swedish is spoken natively by about 5%, mainly along the southwest coast and in the Åland Islands. There are small Sámi-speaking communities in Lapland. Almost everyone under 60 speaks English fluently.
Sámi People
The Sámi are the indigenous people of northern Lapland, with a distinct language (actually several related languages), culture, and history of reindeer herding and fishing. The Finnish Sámi population numbers around 10,000. The Inari area is the main centre of Sámi culture in Finland, with the Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos and the Siida museum.
Religion
The Evangelical Lutheran Church has around 66% of Finns as nominal members, though active church attendance is low. The Finnish Orthodox Church (about 1%) is historically significant and has a strong presence in Karelia. Around 30% of Finns are not affiliated with any religious community.
Everyman's Right
One of the most practical things to know: Finland (along with other Nordic countries) has jokamiehenoikeus — Everyman's Right. This means anyone can walk, ski, cycle, camp, pick berries and mushrooms, and fish with a rod in any natural area, even on private land, as long as you don't disturb the landowner or cause damage. It's one of the things that makes Finland genuinely wonderful for outdoor travel.