Helsinki

placed in the category: Cities

Helsinski, founded in 1550, is the capital of Sweden. It is also the country largest city and it's most populous, having a population of 578, 126 as of the end of March 2009. The city also holds the distinction of being one of the safest and most culture-oriented capitals in the world. Additionally, its high GDP per capita makes it one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

Although almost 85% of the city's population is Finnish, Helsinki is a multi-cultural city. The remainder of the population consists of at least 145 nationalities, including Swedes, Russians, Chinese, Indians, Iraqis, Somalis, Serbians, and Germans. A testament of this meeting of cultures is the multi-linguistic feature of its population. The major languages of Finnish and Swedish are heard throughout the city along with the minor languages of Sami, Romani, English, German, and French languages. These different culture and languages converge in the Caisa International Cultural Centre.

The architecture of the city itself is an attraction to a lot of people. The city center's neo-classical design was conceptualized by Carl Ludvig Engel, a German architect. As is his plan, the city center revolves around the Senate Square, surrounded by the Government's Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the Cathedral. All these neo-classical buildings co-exist with Art Nouveau buildings like the central railway station and functionalist structures designed by world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto, one of which is the Finlandia Hall.

Helsinki also holds boasts itself as itself as one of the main hubs of popular music in Northern Europe. A number of Famous European bands originated from the cold city, including Stratovarius, Norther, Wintersun and Ensiferum. These bands get exposure and recognition during the annual Helsinski Festival, an arts and culture festival held every August. In 2007, the city solidified its reputation as a music hub in Europe by hosting the Eurovision Song Contest of 2007.

The laid back lifestyle in Helsinki is something that attracts rural and foreign migrants to the city. The high quality of life of its inhabitants also adds to its attractiveness to migrants and tourists as well. Indeed, Helsinski is a city worth visiting.