Vantaa is a city in southern Uusimaa, Finland, located immediately north of the capital, Helsinki. It forms part of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, which has approximately 1.6 million inhabitants. The administrative centre of Vantaa is situated in the Tikkurila district, while other local centres include Myyrmäki, Kivistö, and Korso. The city covers a total area of 240.35 square kilometres, with 1.97 square kilometres being water.

The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with remains of dwellings dating back to 6700 BCE found in Brunaberg. Prior to 1974, the region was known as Helsingin pitäjä or Helsinge. Swedish colonisation began in the late 13th century after the Second Swedish Crusade. The name Vantaa was officially adopted in 1974, replacing the previous designation that had been used since at least the 14th century.

The Helsinki Airport dominates the northern part of the city, effectively splitting it into western and eastern sections. Notable landmarks include the medieval Church of St. Lawrence, built in 1460, and the Vantaa River, which flows through the city before reaching the Gulf of Finland. The area also features the Jumbo mall complex and the Flamingo hotel and entertainment centre.

Vantaa is a bilingual municipality with Finnish and Swedish as official languages, though it has the lowest percentage of Swedish speakers among such municipalities in Finland. Visitors can explore Heureka, a science center, or visit various parks and farms that preserve the rural landscapes of the old Helsinge area. The city also hosts the complex of the Jumbo mall and Flamingo hotel.

The population is 248,199 as of 2024, making it the fourth most populous municipality in Finland. Major companies headquartered here include Finnair, Finavia, and R-kioski. Transport access is provided by highways 3, 4, 45, and 7, as well as the Ring Rail line connecting Tikkurila and Myyrmäki to Helsinki. According to the 2025 disturbance index, it is currently considered the most unsafe city in Finland.