The southern coast of Finland is the
most populated, industrialized and
richest part of the country, with
the densest concentration, not
surprisingly, around the capital,
HELSINKI
. A city of half a million people,
Helsinki is quite different from the
other Scandinavian capitals, closer
both in mood and looks to the major
cities of eastern Europe. For years
an outpost of the Russian Empire,
its very shape and form is derived
from its powerful neighbour. Yet
through the twentieth century the
city has become a showcase of
independent Finland, much of its
impressive architecture drawing
inspiration from the dawning of
Finnish nationalism and the rise of
the republic. The streets have a
youthful buzz, the short summer
acknowledged by crowds strolling the
boulevards and socializing in the
outdoor cafés and restaurants. At
night the pace picks up, with a
great selection of pubs and clubs,
free rock concerts in the numerous
parks, and an impressive quota of
fringe events.
The City
Following a devastating fire and the
city's appointment as Finland's
capital in 1812, Helsinki was
totally rebuilt in a style befitting
its new status: a grid of wide
streets and Neoclassical brick
buildings modelled on the then
Russian capital, St...
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