Finland is situated in northern Europe between the 60th and 70th parallels of latitude. Its neighbours are Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east and Estonia to the south across the Gulf of Finland. The Baltic Sea surrounds most of its western and southern coast. Finland is the seventh largest European country in area.

Finland's landscapes are a fascinating mixture of vast green forests and sparkling blue lakes. Some 70% of the country's surface is covered by forests, which are known as Finland's "green gold". They are a crucial part of Finnish identity, as are the lakes, which number to some 188,000. There are almost as many islands, and thousands of rivers and rapids. The main lake district is centered on Lake Saimaa in the east. Off the southwest coast lies a labyrinth of islands, islets and skerries, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world. Finnish Lapland, the northernmost part of the country, is marked by softly rounded fells and vast areas of unspoilt wilderness.