Helsingfors, (or Helsinki) Finland is the capital city with a population of approximately 560,000 people. Official languages are Finnish and Swedish. Much of the century was violent, but Helsinki kept developing. The population tripled in the 1970s, making the Helsinki metropolitan area one of the fastest growing urban centers in the European Union. The school system in Helsinki includes 190 comprehensive schools, 41 upper secondary schools, and 15 vocational schools. Half of the upper secondary schools are private or state-owned. There are eight universities in the city, as well. The largest hospitals in the country are located in Helsinki. Helsinki features several buildings by architect Alvar Aalto. Many of his works are either loved or hated. Some of the buildings have sparked debate among the residents of Helsinki. Helsinki is Finland's cultural focus center with two museums, a concert hall, and the National Opera. There are two large sports stadiums, and a big fair center. There are three annual fairs each year: Valon Voimat (Forces of Light), Helsingin Juhlaviikot (arts and culture), and Vappu, an annual carnival for students and workers. Helsinki known for being small enough to walk around, with cafes, markets and islands in the summer. Most of the central districts are on the coastline; Helsinki is also known as The Daughter of the Baltic.