Europe

Finland

Location

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia.

Crime levels remain low. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas. Personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, cold weather injuries, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures/customs, communications, emergency shelters.

Local water is safe to drink.

Mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills.

Cold temperate; potentially sub-arctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes.

No major natural hazards.

Tick-borne encephalitis. Mosquitoes and gnats can be a problem in the summer.
Hospital: Helsinki University Central hospital, Stenbackinpratu 9, Helsinki. Tel: 0-4711

Air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations.

Driving in winter months can be hazardous. Cars must be winterised, and snow tyres a legal requirement from 1 December to 31 March.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.