Tampere, Finland

Finland – situated in northern Europe with a quarter of its total area lying north of the Arctic Circle – is an independent republic since 1917 and became a member of the European Union in 1995. Its population is 5.3 million, and Finland is the sixth largest country in Europe in area, with a population density of 15.5 persons per square kilometre. Finland is the most heavily forested country in Europe, with 23 million hectares under forest cover. However, today most Finns, some two thirds, live in urban areas. The capital Helsinki has 561 000 residents.

Finland is an advanced industrial economy: the metal, engineering and electronics industries account for about 60 % of export revenues, the forest products industry for about 20 %. Finland is one of the leading countries in Internet use.

Tampere is the third largest city in Finland situated on the Tammerkoski Rapids between two large lakes, and the largest inland centre in the Nordic countries. Currently there are some 400,000 inhabitants in Tampere Sub-Region, which comprises Tampere and its neighbouring municipalities. From being the largest centre of the textile industry in the Nordic countries in the 19th century Tampere has changed towards high technology, including Nokia Mobile Phones.

Tampere is well prepared to welcome the 32nd EAA Annual Congress. Tampere Hall, the largest congress and concert centre in the Nordic countries, can comfortably accommodate up to 2,000 delegates. The city’s hotels, most of them within walking distance of Tampere Hall, offer accommodation in various price ranges. The compact city centre makes it possible to accommodate 1,000 people in 15 minutes walk from Tampere Hall.