About Vantaa

With its population representing a good 120 nationalities and speaking more than 80 languages, Vantaa is truly an international and multicultural city. Widely known for its International Airport, Vantaa is experiencing vigorous business development and office premises construction. Vantaa has a strong position as the hub of Finland’s logistics. This makes the city a very attractive location and growth environment for companies operating in the Finnish or international markets. Vantaa is actively involved in a number of international networks of cities and development projects, because Vantaa has its sights set on the future.

People have been living in Vantaa ever since the Stone Age. Indeed, the earliest signs of human habitation date back around, 7000 years. Even though the settlement is ancient, the population today is fairly young.

Helsinge Parish became Helsinki Rural District in 1865. Then, in 1974 there was another name change and the present name, City of Vantaa, was adopted. Nowadays, Vantaa is the fourth biggest city in Finland in terms of population.

The River Vantaa was fi rst called Helsingaa (Helsingejoki, i.e. the River Helsinki). The inland dwellers – inhabitants of Häme – named the river upstream ”Vantaa.”

Vantaa aims to become increasingly international in order to provide its people and businesses with a better environment in which to live and operate. Participation in international forums helps the city to develop new services for its residents and discover ways to improve existing operations.