City Information

Being one of the coldest regions in the world, Helsinki attracts more tourists during the summer season, when parks are decorated with blossoming flowers and the warm sun welcomes people out in the open. This season starts mid June and goes on till mid August. The beaches in Helsinki offer a variety of activities and water sport games that you just can’t miss! The weather is pleasant and flocks of people are seen around every corner enjoying the sunlit day and the peaceful breezy ocean nights. If summer is not the season for you, then Helsinki is also an attractive holiday destination during spring. Most activities and tourist places accommodate tourists at this time of the year too. If you plan on visiting during winter months you have to keep in mind that you will get only a few hours of daylight to complete the list of sights to see on your itinerary.

• Location: is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and is in the southern part of the country in the region called Uusimaa/Nyland by the Baltic Sea. This strategic location enables it to have close ties with Sweden, Russia and Estonia. • Dialing codes: +358 – 9 • Emergency: Police or ambulance: 112 • Airport enquiry: Telephone: +358(0)982 771 Phone: +358(0)2001 4636 • Population: 584,420 • Density: 2,735.28/km2 • Language: the official languages are Finnish and Swedish. However, a good 85% of the people speak Finnish as their native language. Due to advancement in education and economics English is also spoken with fluency. • Total spread of city: 715.55 km2 • Time zone: EET (UTC+2) • Annual rainfall: 637mm • Highest summer temperature: 23°C • Lowest winter temperature:-7°C • Currency: Euro

1st January: New Year’s Day 6th January: Epiphany 2nd April: Easter 1st May: May Day 13th May: Ascension 23rd May: Whit Sunday 26th June: Mid Summer 6th November: All Saints’ Day 6th December: Independence Day 25th December: Christmas Day 26th December: St. Stephens Day/ Boxing Day

MONTH Min Temp. °C Max. Temp. °C January -5 -1 February -7 -2 March -4 1 April 2 7 May 6 13 June 12 18 July 15 23 August 10 18 September 7 15 October 4 9 November -1 1 December -6 -1

Finland, and Helsinki in particular, houses one of the most literate and aware populations of the world. People here come from all sorts of backgrounds but because of the high social standards set by the country, everyone is encouraged to get at least some basic and primary education.

Helsinki is a city of great attractions. If you want to experience night life, follow the latest trends and feel thrilled with new experiences, Helsinki is the place to be. This pocketsize metropolis has developed to the extent of being named the World Design Capital for 2012 and harbors the most exciting and happening beaches in the Baltic region.

For much of its history, Helsinki had remained a small town, overshadowed by the bigger regions it neighbors, plagued by poverty and destitution. Being under Swedish influence, the city was not able to thrive on its own and develop a culture, aura and attraction till around 1809 when the autonomous Finland was declared after Russia subdued Sweden in the Finnish War.