Finland, The World Design Capital

Every two years The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) designates a country as the 'World Design Capital' for that year.

On November 25, 2009, Helsinki Finland became the new designee.

Finland sits geographically on the artic circle line, in between the scandinavia countries and Russia. It's population is only about 5 million, and its climate is extreme, but its economy is noted as one of the best in the world.

"Design is manifest in the everyday lives of Helsinki citizens in many ways," reports Finland.com. These include home furniture as well as items that represent old Finnish design traditions, all the way to modern urban solutions in the city and contemporary interior design.

Creators in Finland are working diligently to "enhance the citizens quality of life." They are going about this in a number of ways; planning of the city, industrial design, various architecture, and service displays.

Finland has unique sights simply because of its location in the world; the northern lights or continuous darkness provide for incredible creations to be seen in literally, a new light.

2012 is significant for Finland, as it marks the 200th anniversary of Helsinki becoming the capital of the country.

Past Design Capitals have been held in Italy and South Korea.

For More Information, visit:
http://www.finland.com/ OR
http://www.wdc2012helsinki.fi/en/