Arctic Finland, also called Lapland, covers about one-third of Finland, about the same portion as lies north of the Arctic Circle. Helsinki is the northernmost national capital on the European continent and the second northernmost in the world - only Reykjavik, Iceland is farther north (although it's also part of Europe, it's not on the continent).

Most of Finland's 5,200,000 inhabitants live in the largest cities in the south with about 200,000 in the Arctic Area. There are nearly 7,000 Sami in Finland, of whom 4,000 live in the northern area.

Finland gained its independence from Russia in 1917 and is now a republic. The government also includes a Sami Parliament to address Sami rights and economic, social and cultural conditions. It is not an authority under the Finnish government and therefore has considerable independence.

The Finns are famous for their saunas - a small room or hut heated to about 80°C / 176°F and used for bathing as well as for mental and physical relaxation. There are approximately 2 million saunas in Finland for a total population of 5.2 million and they represent an important part of Finnish culture. Inviting a guest into a sauna is considered a courtesy similar to inviting them for a meal.

Finland is one of eight countries with a portion of its territory within the Arctic Circle. Do you know the others? Play the GAME!