Helsinki History - In 1550 King Gustav Vasa, A Swedish King founded the Helsinki. He wish to use it to consolidate trade in the southern part of Finland. For a long time after he ordered people to relocate to the area, which didn't work as they had planned and there was a resentment. For many years the area became a forgotten village. Nothing much was happening in the city of Helsinki at that time.

In the eighteenth century a sea-fortress called Suomenlinna was built to guard from further attacks from the Russians. It was two times during the first have of the century that the city of Helsinki became occupied by the Russian forces. This would later prove to be very beneficial to the area.

In 1809 the city was transferred from Sweden to Russian. It was at that time that the Russian government decided to make Helsinki the Capital of Finland. The capital previously was Turku. After they named Helsinki the capital the Russian government rebuilt the city.

In the 19th century Helsinki's Population increased rapidly. Many people moved into the area and it really thrived. In 1810 there were 4,070 people living in the area and by 2001 the number had grown to 559,718. It also became an economic and cultural center of Finland and its boom continued on.

Today in the City of Helsinki the tourist industry is also a very profitable industry. The people of Helsinki are proud of their land and they love visitors from all over the world and welcome them to return over and over again to visit their home. It is with great pride that they live there. Just take a look around while you are there and you will see why so many of the people there would never leave their city of the sea.