History of Finland

Finland's borders run from Russia in the east to Sweden in the west and Norway in the north. Many civilizations and empires molded its thousands-year past.

Etymology

The ancient Norwegian term "finer," meaning "Sami people," originates the word "Finland."   Sami from Northern Finland have Indigenous roots that go back millennia. With time, this term changed to become "Suomi" in Finnish and, lastly, "Finland." 

Prehistory 

About 8500 BC, hunters-gatherers arrived to call Finland home. Seeking food and resources, they moved from one place to another, leading a nomadic existence. Over time, these people started to create permanent communities for food farming.

Influence of Vikings

Sweden ruled Finland 800–1050 AD during the Viking Age. Along the southern and western shores, the Swedes set commercial ports where they could spread their language and culture, hence influencing the growth of Finland.

Swedish era 

Finland was basically under Swedish control for approximately 600 years, starting in the 12th century. Finland witnessed significant economic expansion over this period, mostly in trade and education. The legal systems, language, and culture of Finland today still bear Swedish influence. 

Grand Duchy of Finland 

Russia inherited Finland following the 1809 Finnish War. Once under Russian control, the Grand Duchy acquired its freedom in 1917. This epoch, among the Finns, marked calls for freedom and a growing nationalism.

Civil war and early independence

Finland was thrown into a brief civil war between socialist "Reds" and conservative "Whites" following her 1917 declaration of freedom from Russia. Rising triumphantly, the whites founded Finland as a republic. Over this time, Finland also battled Soviet attempts to seize control of the nation.

World War II

In World War Two Finland found herself stuck between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Starting in 1939, the Soviet Union attacked Finland to commence the Winter War. Finland reluctantly resisted, outnumbered, and outgunned, then signed a peace pact with the Soviet Union.

After the war 

After World War II, Finland experienced modernization and economic growth. It maintained amicable relations with Eastern and Western countries by remaining neutral during the Cold War as well. Finland became among the wealthiest nations in Europe after joining the European Union in 1995.

21st century 

Still, a democratic modern nation, Finland is dynamic today. Well-known traits are its excellent standard of living, technical innovations, and solid educational system. Leading in environmental sustainability and gender equality also makes Finland quite happy.

Geography

Finland boasts a fair shoreline, forests, and many lakes. Living there are 5.5 million people over 339,000 square km.

Biodiversity 

Finland's diversified topography supports a great spectrum of flora and fauna. The national animal is the brown bear; the national bird is the whooper swan. Covering more than seventy percent of the nation, forests give wolves, lynx, and reindeer cover.

Climate 

Being in the northernmost point of Europe, Finland faces long, dark winters marked by plenty of snowfall. Summer temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius are reasonable, though fleeting.   The nation witnesses the "Midnight Sun," whereby the sun does not set for several weeks in summer.

Regions

Finland features nineteen cultural sites. Apart from amazing scenery, the north presents skiing and reindeer skating. Renowned for its breathtaking surroundings and winter sports— sledding and reindeer skating among other things— Helsinki is the southernmost city in Finland. 

Administrative divisions 

Apart from areas, Finland is divided into 311 regions. Among other necessities, these communities handle infrastructure, healthcare, and education under local administrations of their own.

Government and politics

The parliamentary republican multi-party political system is used in Finland. The President is the head of state; the prime minister looks after the government. Finland boasts a strong social state as well, giving its people universal healthcare and education.

Constitution

 It explains government structure and powers as well as citizens’ rights and responsibilities. Finland's constitution has undergone many revisions since its ratification in 1919.

President 

Selected for a six-year term, the President of Finland also commands-in-chief of the armed forces. The President appoints the prime minister and has some influence on foreign policy, even if his major functions are ceremonial ones.

Parliament 

Comprising 200 members chosen every four years, Finland's parliament is known as the Eduskunta. The Legislative power of the parliament resides in supervising government activities.

Cabinet 

Selected by the President, the prime minister supervises the cabinet of government ministers, handling departments that include education, international affairs, and finance. They have to answer to the parliament and routinely document their operations.

Law 

Finland's civil law system derives from the Germanic legal legacy. It is well-known for having a somewhat objective and efficient court since it strongly emphasizes safeguarding individual liberties and rights.

Foreign relations

Finland is a member of the European Union. Hence, she maintains tight ties with other European Union countries. It also has tight relations with its Nordic neighbors and actively supports worldwide institutions such as NATO and the United Nations.

Military

Finland has a conscription-based military whereby men and women are expected to serve their nation. Its highly educated soldiers and modern technologies are well-known. Finland does not belong to any military alliance and maintains a similar non-alignment policy.

Human rights

Finland routinely comes in among the top countries for press freedom and human rights. It is dedicated to honoring individual liberties and advancing equality.

Economy

Finland boasts a very modern and industrialized economy that stresses innovation and technology. Engineering, metal, electronics, and forestry are its main sectors. The country also boasts a strong welfare system that gives its citizens whole social security.

Energy

Leading the way with approximately 40% of its electricity produced from hydropower, wind power, and bioenergy—among other renewable energy sources—is Finland. By 2035, the country also aspires to be carbon-neutral.

Transport 

With airports, railroads, and highways connecting many areas of Finland, the nation has a modern transportation system. Cities also include a thorough public transport system, with especially successful tram and metro systems in Helsinki.

Public policy 

Equality, social fairness, and environmental sustainability form the foundation of Finland's public policies. To drive economic development and raise the welfare of its people, the government mostly encourages creativity, research, and education.

Tourism

Modern Finnish cities, a distinct culture, and an untouched environment make Finland an increasingly appealing travel destination. Popular interests include learning about the historic sauna customs of the nation, meeting Santa Claus in Lapland, and visiting the capital, Helsinki.

Demographics

Finnish makes up most of Finland; a small percentage speak Swedish. The country also boasts a rising Asian and other European immigrant population.

Language

Finnish and Swedish are the official languages of Finland. Most people in Finland speak Finnish; Swedish is most common inside the autonomous province of Åland and along coastal areas.

Religion

Though most Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, several other Christian denominations and non-Christian religions also find expression among them.

Health 

Finland offers a comprehensive healthcare system covering all of its citizens everywhere. The country is also recognized for being among the best life expectancies worldwide and for its low infant mortality rate.

Education and science 

Finland values education highly; its teaching system routinely ranks among the best in the world. The country also stresses research and invention as universities and research institutes conduct creative projects.

Culture

Respect for nature, sauna bathing, and reindeer herding are among Finnish practices. The European and Scandinavian neighbors of Finland have helped to shape her rich cultural inheritance.   

Literature

Contemporary Finnish authors vary in their genres and cover various ones. Aleksis Kivi, Juhani Aho, and Väinö Linna are among the outstanding Finns.

Visual arts, design, and architecture

Finland now appreciates the original ideas of well-known designers as Alvar Aalto and Marimekko. The country also offers a strong artistic environment with galleries and museums exhibiting both classic and contemporary works.

Music 

Traditional instruments such kanteles taken from folk music define the unique tone of Finnish music.  Popular national metal bands abound as well: Nightwish and HIM, among others.

Cuisine

Typical Finnish cuisine comprises of rye bread, smoked salmon, and meatballs. Finland's northern position guarantees an infinite supply of fresh seafood that is occasionally emphasized in regional cuisine.

Sports 

Ice hockey is Finland's national sport; the nation has produced some quite remarkable NHL players. Among other rather popular sports are javelin throwing, rally racing, and cross-country skiing.