Finland

The following sites contain interesting information, and are also suitable for children.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/finland/index.htm
- all the ‘Need to know’ facts on Finland

http://virtual.finland.fi/finfo/english/
- in depth information on all things Finnish

http://www.finland-winter.com/
- guides to visiting Finland with great pictures

http://www.finland-tourism.com/web/activities/index.nsf
- guides to visiting Finland with great pictures

http://www.multimap.com
- detailed maps of Europe, including Finland

http://www.hel.fi/english
- everything you need to know about Finland’s capital city Helsinki

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Questions before watching the programme:
Do you know what the weather is like in Finland?
How many things can the children think of that are "typically Finnish"?

Questions during viewing:
Which countries are either side of Finland?
Is Finland an old-fashioned or a modern country?

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STUDENT WORKSHEET

The pupils can answer some of the questions after watching the TV programme, while others need to be researched using an atlas, encyclopædia, text book, the ‘We are from’ website or other internet sites. Some questions can be filled in on the worksheet, but most will require a separate answer sheet.

Answers to the assignments

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Capital:	Helsinki
Population:	5,175,783
Area:	338,145 sq km
People per sq km:	17
Language:	Finnish & Swedish
Currency:	Euro (EUR)

Answers to viewing questions

1. You see reindeer in the forest.
   
   
2. The sculpture competition is special because the sculptures are made out of snow.
   
   
3. The boys like hunting because it makes them feel close to nature.

Answers to optional assignments

1. Opinion question. While it would be a chance to meet new friends and learn new skills, the extra year might get in the way of other things you would like to do when you are 20 – go to college or university, get a job etc.
   
   
2. Opinion question. Children should be aware of the fact that different people have very different views on this subject.
   
   
3. Opinion question.
   
   
4. Opinion question.

Internet Assignment

Finland’s six national 'nature symbols' are: the bear, swan, perch, birch, lily-of-the-valley and granite. The aim of the symbols is to draw attention to Finnish nature and wildlife, and to promote an appreciation of them.