Finland has been named the year’s best wildlife travel destination in the Global Wildlife Travel Index compiled by the UK-based True Luxury Travel, an agency that caters to well-heeled customers.
The award was mentioned by travel guide publisher Lonely Planet and first reported locally by tabloid daily Iltalehti.
Finland outpaced more than 100 other contenders for the honour and according to the index, was singled out for "its high levels of environmental sustainability, its unique and varied diversity of species, beautiful natural landscapes, and conservation efforts."
"These results come as Finland has continued to see a rapid increase in tourism levels over the last year," the ranking continued.
According to the index, Finland’s standings were helped by the fact that more than 73 percent of its surface area is covered by forests.
Finland’s western neighbour Sweden placed second with Brazil, Canada and the USA rounding out the top five.
Meanwhile Norway, Spain, Germany, Poland and Slovenia ranked from sixth to 10th position.