Finland follows Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC +2:00 in the winter months. During DST, it shifts to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC +3:00.

Yes, Finland observes DST. The country moves from EET to EEST in the spring and back to EET in the autumn.

Finland shares the same zone with neighboring countries such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which also follow EET and EEST. However, Sweden and Norway, to the west and north, use CET and CEST.

Finland is 7 hours ahead of EST and 10 hours ahead of PST when the U.S. is not observing DST. During DST, the difference is reduced by one hour.

The economy is diverse, with key industries including:

Technology: Home to global tech giants, including Nokia and Rovio (creator of Angry Birds), and has a strong presence in mobile phone and gaming industries.

Forestry: The country has vast forests, and the forestry industry plays a crucial role, with products such as paper, wood, and timber being major exports.

Renewable Energy: A leader in renewable energy, focusing on clean energy sources like wind, hydro, and bioenergy.

Metal and Engineering: The country also has a significant presence in the metal and engineering sectors, producing everything from machinery to steel and electronics.

Known for its unique geography and natural beauty:

Land of a Thousand Lakes: Often called the 'Land of a Thousand Lakes,' though it actually has around 188,000 lakes, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Sauna: Saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture, with an estimated two million saunas in the country, for a population of around 5.5 million people.

Midnight Sun and Polar Nights: Due to its northern location, the country experiences the Midnight Sun during summer, where the sun doesn't set for several weeks, and the Polar Nights in winter, where the sun doesn't rise for weeks in some areas.

There is a rich cultural heritage that values simplicity and nature:

Language: Finnish is the official language, and Swedish is also widely spoken. The Finnish language is unique, with no close relation to other European languages.

Education: Finland is known for its high-quality education system, which focuses on equality, creativity, and independence.

Festivals: Finland has numerous cultural festivals, including the Helsinki Festival, the Savonlinna Opera Festival, and the Christmas markets, which celebrate the country's arts, music, and traditions.

Finland has several important national holidays that reflect its history and culture:

Independence Day: December 6th marks Finland's independence from Russia in 1917. The day is celebrated with ceremonies, including a presidential ball, and patriotic events.

Vappu: May 1st is celebrated as Vappu, a day of festivities honoring labor and student traditions, with picnics, parades, and wearing of student caps.

Christmas: Christmas is one of the most significant holidays in Finland, with festivities starting on Christmas Eve. It is marked by family gatherings, sauna rituals, and the visit of Joulupukki (Santa Claus) from Lapland.

May Day: May 1st is also celebrated as a day of labor and students, with people wearing student caps and enjoying picnics and festivals.

Midsummer: Midsummer, typically in June, is another major holiday, where Finns celebrate the summer solstice with bonfires, dancing, and spending time at cottages near lakes.