2. F unloving I independent N atural L ively A uthentic N utritious D etermined

3. Population: 5,2 million Total area: 338 144 km 2 Official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Sami is spoken in Lapland. Independent republic since 6 th of December 1917 Mr sauli Niinistö as President of the republic since 2012 Member of European Union since 1995 Country of high technology High level of education Good quality of health care

5. Land of Northern lights and thousands of lakes (178 888) More than 3 million saunas Home of Nokia, Santa Claus, Moomin, Kone, Marimekko and Mika Häkkinen Crazy sports like ice swimming, swamp football,World Championship of throwing a mobilephone and playing Air guitar

6. “People are so relaxed, take care, here. We can go to the lake and play football and speak..enjoying the weather but..without problems. Relaxing and that’s all.” (Exchange student 2009) ”I think a typical Finn is really shy at the beginning, even afraid about something strange. And polite, really polite, quiet.“ (Exchange student 2009) QuietHonest Own territory, ”bubble” CalmPolite Life defined by the seasons Takes time to get to know a Finn

7. Fresh from the Nature Different kind of berries, mushrooms, fish, game animals like moose and reindeer Rye bread (dark bread) Carelian Pie Salmiakki Mämmi (Finnish Easter pudding)

8. Lapland is a great place for hiking in its beautiful fell scenery Towns worth visiting for: Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Jyväskylä, Oulu Lots of beautiful national parks all around Finland with varying nature types Biggest lakes are Saimaa (Eastern Finland) and Päijänne (Central Finland) Europe's largest archipelago, including the autonomous Ahvenanmaa (Åland)

9. During the winter the snow covers almost the whole country The average temperature in January is -10 °C Because most of the lakes are covered with ice for at least four months (depending on the place), it’s perfect time for ice-fishing, skating and cross-country skiing

10. Although winter is the time of Kaamos (polar night) in the northern Finland, it’s not all the time so dark. And luckily snow reflects the light which makes the light hours even brighter!

11. Once the darkest winter days are gone and sun has returned to northern sky, the spring may come! Finns get totally nuts once they start to have sunny and warm days again after the long winter.

12. Spring Trivia Finns really love Vappu, the Labour Day Party on 1st of May Birds return to Finland and the animals and nature start to wake up The days are getting longer

14. Summer Trivia The average temperature in July is +17 °C Finnish summer is full of festivals and concerts During the Midsummer the sun doesen’t set at all Eventhough summers are usually hot, Finns still love to grill themselves in sauna.

15. When the light is disappearing again, it’s time to harvest. Apples, lingonberries and mushrooms are waiting for eager gatherers!

18. The city of Mikkeli is the capital of the Province of Eastern Finland and it is situated by the Lake Saimaa Population 48 835, 16th largest municipality in Finland Good connections to eastern, southern and central Finland give great opportunities to local business and travelling Diverse business in Mikkeli is based on forest and timber, information technology, food products, metal and tourism