Helsinki - Finland

**Helsinki: A Vibrant and Livable Capital** Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. With over 648,000 residents within its municipality and a metropolitan area of nearly 1.5 million people, Helsinki is the heart of southern Finland's Uusimaa region. Its proximity to major European cities like Stockholm, Tallinn, Riga, and Saint Petersburg has fostered significant historical connections. As the country's most populous urban area, Helsinki serves as a hub for politics, education, finance, culture, and research. The city boasts an impressive array of amenities, earning it an A+ score in this category. Residents enjoy access to world-class educational institutions, cutting-edge healthcare facilities, and a rich cultural scene, all contributing to the city's exceptional quality of life. Commuting is also remarkably convenient in Helsinki, with an A+ score reflecting its well-organized public transportation system. The city's airport, located in nearby Vantaa, offers frequent flights to numerous international destinations, making it easily accessible for visitors and residents alike. One of Helsinki's unique aspects is its bilingualism, with both Finnish and Swedish serving as official languages. This diversity is reflected in the population's language composition: approximately 85% speak Finnish, 5% speak Swedish, and a notable 10% speak other languages – significantly higher than the national average. The city has a storied history of hosting high-profile international events, including the 1952 Summer Olympics and the first World Athletics Championships in 1983. Its reputation as a cultural and design hub was further solidified when it was named the 2012 World Design Capital. In recent years, Helsinki has been consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities by various publications, including Monocle, The Economist Intelligence Unit, and Time magazine. Despite its many advantages, Helsinki does face some challenges, such as noise pollution (scoring a D- in this category). However, its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative urban planning has earned it recognition as an eco-friendly pioneer. Tourism also plays a significant role in Helsinki's economy, with the city attracting millions of visitors each year. Its status as a major port city – rated the world's busiest passenger port in 2017 – further underscores its importance as a travel hub. In summary, Helsinki offers an exceptional quality of life, boasting top-notch amenities, convenient commuting options, and a rich cultural scene. While it faces some challenges, the city's dedication to innovation and sustainability makes it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Helsinki

Helsinki
Country: Finland
Population: 675747
Metropolitan Population: {{#expr: + + + + + + + + + + + + + }} (metro)
Elevation: 17.0 metre
Area: 214.42 square kilometre
Web: https://www.hel.fi/
Mayor: Juhana Vartiainen (Kok)
Area code: +358-9