Finland’s Centenary Year
2017 is a major milestone for Finland as the country marks 100 years of independence. The year is celebrated through an extensive and varied programme.
FINLAND BECAME INDEPENDENT on 6 December 1917 when it rejected its status as an autonomous Grand Duchy of Russia, which it had been since 1809.
Before that, the area that is now Finland had been under Swedish rule since the 13th century.
Finland is a small country. The total area of Finland makes up just 0.07 per cent of the total world area. Similarly, it population constitutes only 0.07 of the total world population.
But even a small one can be among the best in the world, and that is exactly what Finland has done.
In international comparisons, Finland often shines, as we have succeeded in our hundred years of independence in building a stable, democratic society.
The safest country in the world
The centenary celebrations emphasise the importance of civil society, equality and creativity. Finland is a good country to visit and to live in.
Image: Visit Finland
We have many reasons to be proud of our country and it’s capital.
Finland is the safest country in the world, and the most stable one, with very little corruption and the least organized crime in the world.
Helsinki is the most honest city in the world and has ranked as the third-best to live in.
The programme is built together
The big year started in January 2017 and will culminate on 6 December 2017.
The main theme for the year is together, meaning that everyone – both Finns and visitors to the country – can take part in it.
There is a lively and varied Finland 100 programme that covers the whole year.
The themes of the programme are as diverse as the Finns are, from tango to ice-skating, from sauna to street food. You can find the whole programme for the year at Suomi Finland 100.
In the summer months the 100-year-old is celebrated outdoors. One of the biggest events of the year is arranged 100 days prior to the Independence Day.
During the ‘100 ‘til one hundred’ weekend in August (25th–27th August 2017) all of Finland is invited to take part in the celebrations. Hundreds of participants all across Finland create village festivals that will make up the World’s Greatest Village Celebration.
Helsinki takes part in the celebrations
Most of the main events celebrating Finland’s centenary are arranged in Helsinki but remember to look for smaller gems as well.
Some of the highlights include a museum tram ride on a 100-year old tram, the Midsummer Bonfires at Seurasaari or Finland 100 open-air movie nights at the Linnanmäki amusement park in August.
Finland warmly welcomes friends of the country to take part in the celebrations!
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