11.1 Scenic regions

When studying a map of the world, Finland does not really distinguish itself from its surroundings in terms of its elevation and other geographical features.

When looking at a map of the world, the most recognizable features are the shapes of the continents, as well as the planet's vast high mountain ranges, deserts and inland plains.

Finland is a nation that consists mainly of flat lowland or low highland areas. Lowland areas are regions located at an elevation between 0 and 200 meters above sea level, whereas highland areas are located over 200 meters above sea level. 

However, when looking at a map of Finland, we can distinguish various kinds of different environments. The nation can be divided into six scenic regions that differ from each other in terms of their topography, rock and soil types, climates and water environments. The six scenic areas are also home to different kinds of plants and animals. 

The borders between the Finnish scenic regions are not completely clear. This is because different scenic areas blend into each other gradually.

All Finnish scenic regions consist of natural landscapes and cultural landscapes. Natural landscapes are the most plentiful in Northern and Eastern Finland. When humans have settled in a region and harnessed their natural resources, these natural landscapes have developed into cultural landscapes. For example, humans have cleared forests for agricultural use and built roads and villages. Most Finnish landscapes are a blend of cultural and natural lanscapes.