Changes

|flag         =Flag of Finland.png

|flag         =Flag of Finland.png

|arms         =Arms of Finland.png

|arms         =Arms of Finland.png

|capital =Helsinki

|capital =Helsinki

|capital-raw =

|capital-raw =

|pm         =Juha Sipilä

|pm         =Juha Sipilä

|pm-raw         =

|pm-raw         =

|area         =390,908 sq km

|area         =130,558 sq mi

|pop         =5,513,130  

|pop         =5,513,130

|pop-basis =2017

|pop-basis =2017

|gdp         =224 billion

|gdp         =

|gdp-year =2017

|gdp-year =$289.557 billion (2018)

|gdp-pc         =40,612 €

|gdp-pc         =$52,422 (2018)

|currency =euro

|currency =euro

|idd =+358

|idd =+358

The state capital is [[Helsinki]] and the principal exports are machines, electronics and forestry products. [[Finnish]] is the principal language spoken, a [[Finno-Ugric]] language.  Like many nations that do international business, or have a strong tourist trade, many Finns speak English to facilitate communication with other countries. The second official language is Swedish, which has the same status as Finnish in the country. Finland is known as "the land of lakes".

The state capital is [[Helsinki]] and the principal exports are machines, electronics and forestry products. [[Finnish]] is the principal language spoken, a [[Finno-Ugric]] language.  Like many nations that do international business, or have a strong tourist trade, many Finns speak English to facilitate communication with other countries. The second official language is Swedish, which has the same status as Finnish in the country. Finland is known as "the land of lakes".

==Geography==

==Geography==

[[File:Mantyluoto, Pori, Finland..jpg|thumb|left|Mäntyluoto, Pori.]]

[[File:Mantyluoto, Pori, Finland..jpg|thumb|left|Mäntyluoto, Pori.]]

The area of Finland is 390 908 square kilometers, consisting of 303 919 km2 of land, 34 533 km2 of lakes and 52 456 of sea. The north-south axis is 1157 kilometers and west-east axis 542 km. Most of the landscape is covered with lakes and forests. Finland is often called the "Land of Thousands of Lakes", which is true, because the number of lakes in the country exceeds 188 000, of which about 56 000 have an area of one hectare or more. In the sea there are more than 3 000 islands. Cultivated land and habitation only account for 17% of the land area, rest being mainly [[Norway spruce]] forests. The tallest mountain is Halti with height of 1324 meters. The longest river is Kemijoki with lenght of 500 km.  

The area of Finland is 390 908 square kilometers, consisting of 303 919 km2 of land, 34 533 km2 of lakes and 52 456 of sea. The north-south axis is 1157 kilometers and west-east axis 542 km. Most of the landscape is covered with lakes and forests. Finland is often called the "Land of Thousands of Lakes", which is true because the number of lakes in the country exceeds 188 000, of which about 56 000 have an area of one hectare or more. In the sea, there are more than 3 000 islands. Cultivated land and habitation only account for 17% of the land area, rest being mainly [[Norway spruce]] forests. The tallest mountain is Halti with a height of 1324 meters. The longest river is Kemijoki with a length of 500 km. Around 75% of the land is covered by forest and 10% is covered by water.

Around 75% of the land is covered by forest and 10% is covered by water.  

Finland is bound by 614 km of common border with [[Sweden]] in the Northwest, 736 km with [[Norway]] in the North,1340 km [[Russia]] in the East, the [[Gulf of Finland]] in the South and the [[Gulf of Bothnia]] in the West.

Finland is bound by 614 km of common border with [[Sweden]] in the Northwest, 736 km with [[Norway]] in the North,1340 km [[Russia]] in the East, the [[Gulf of Finland]] in the South and the [[Gulf of Bothnia]] in the West.

===Demographics===

===Demographics===

*Population: 5.5 million.

*Population (August 2017): 5.5 million.

*Population growth rate: 0.18%.

*Population growth rate: 0.18%.

*Ethnic groups: Finns, Swedes, Sami, Roma, Tatars.

*Ethnic groups: Finns, Swedes, Lapps, Sami, Roma, Tatars.

*Religions: Lutheran 70.9%, Orthodox 1.1%, Pentecostal 0.9%.

*Religions: Lutheran 70.9%, Orthodox 1.1%, Pentecostal 0.9%.

*Languages: Finnish 87.9%, Swedish 5.2% (both official); Sami 0.03%, Russian 1.4%.

*Languages: Finnish 87.9%, Swedish 5.2% (both official); Sami 0.03%, Russian 1.4%.

*Education: Years compulsory—9. Attendance—almost 100%. Literacy—almost 100%.

*Education: Years compulsory—9. Attendance—almost 100%. Literacy—almost 100%.

*Health: Infant mortality rate—2/1,000 (2015).  

*Health: Infant mortality rate—2/1,000 (2015).  Life expectancy—males 78.7 yrs., females 84.2 yrs.

*Work force (2.7 million; of which 2.5 million are employed): Public services—32.8%; industry—19%; commerce—15.6%; finance, insurance, and business services—13.8%; agriculture and forestry—4.7%; transport and communications—7.4%; construction—6.7%.

*Average family size: 2.8 persons. Average age at birthgiving: 29.1 yrs.

 

*Workforce (2.7 million; of which 2.5 million are employed): Public services—32.8%; industry—19%; commerce—15.6%; finance, insurance, and business services—13.8%; agriculture and forestry—4.7%; transport and communications—7.4%; construction—6.7%.

===Universal Health Care===

===Universal Health Care===

<br>

<br>

===Kansallisbiografia===

===Kansallisbiografia===

The Kansallisbiografia, or National Biography of Finland, is a collection of the biographies of 6,000 Fins who have made significant contributions to the development of Finnish society. The collection can be found online or in a ten volume paper copy.<ref>http://www.kansallisbiografia.fi/english/</ref>

The Kansallisbiografia, or National Biography of Finland, is a collection of the biographies of 6,000 Fins who have made significant contributions to the development of Finnish society. The collection can be found online or in a ten-volume paper copy.<ref>http://www.kansallisbiografia.fi/english/</ref>

===Sports===

===Sports===

The most popular sport in Finland is [[ice hockey]] and their national team has won a number of world titles in that sport. Finland are perhaps most successful, however, in skiing competitions of all disciplines including downhill, cross-country, ski-jumping and aerial skiing. Motorsports are also popular in Finland and the country has produced three [[formula 1]] world champions: Keke Rosberg, Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen. Finland has also won the most World Rally Championships (14) by seven different drivers like Juha Kankkunen and Tommi Mäkinen (both won 4 times).  

The most popular sport in Finland is [[ice hockey]] and their national team has won a number of world titles in that sport. Finland is perhaps most successful, however, in skiing competitions of all disciplines including downhill, cross-country, ski-jumping and aerial skiing. Motorsports are also popular in Finland and the country has produced three [[formula 1]] world champions: Keke Rosberg, Mika Hakkinen, and Kimi Raikkonen. Finland has also won the most World Rally Championships (14) by seven different drivers like Juha Kankkunen and Tommi Mäkinen (both won 4 times).  

===Population===

===Population===

Finland currently numbers 5,513,130 inhabitants and has an average population density of 18 inhabitants per square kilometer. This makes it, after Norway and Iceland, the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Finland's population has always been concentrated in the southern parts of the country, a phenomenon even more pronounced after 20th century urbanization.

Finland currently numbers 5,513,130 inhabitants and has an average population density of 18 inhabitants per square kilometer. This makes it, after Norway and Iceland, the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Finland's population has always been concentrated in the southern parts of the country, a phenomenon even more pronounced after 20th-century urbanization.

The share of foreign citizens in Finland is 4.5% (2017) being among the lowest of the European Union countries. Most of them are from Russia, Estonia and Irak. The share of foreign languages is 6.77% and the percentage of finish speakers have been declining since 2013. Among newborns, the percenatge of finish speakers is in decline since 1992.  

The share of foreign citizens in Finland is 4.5% (2017) being among the lowest of the European Union countries. Most of them are from Russia, Estonia, and Iraq. The share of foreign languages is 6.77% and the percentage of finish speakers have been declining since 2013. Among newborns, the percentage of finish speakers is in decline since 1992.

===Religion===

===Religion===

[[File:Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral Finland.jpg|thumb|left|Helsinki, Lutheran Cathedral.]]

[[File:Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral Finland.jpg|thumb|left|Helsinki, Lutheran Cathedral.]]

Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (70.9%, 2017). With approximately 3.7 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. A minority belong to the Finnish Orthodox Church (1.1%; see [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]) and pentecostal (0.9%). Other Protestantism denominations and the Roman Catholic Church in Finland are significant.

Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (70.9%, 2017). With approximately 3.7 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. A minority belong to the Finnish Orthodox Church (1.1%; see [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]) and Pentecostal (0.9%). Other Protestantism denominations and the Roman Catholic Church in Finland are significant.

The main Lutheran and Orthodox churches are constitutional national churches of Finland with special roles such as in state ceremonies and schools. A university degree in theology is compulsory for Lutheran priests. Representatives at Lutheran Church assemblies are selected in church elections every four years.

The main Lutheran and Orthodox churches are constitutional national churches of Finland with special roles such as in state ceremonies and schools. A university degree in theology is compulsory for Lutheran priests. Representatives at Lutheran Church assemblies are selected in church elections every four years.

Even though the membership in main Lutheran church is high, the population is not highly religious. Polls suggest that 28-60% of the population to be either agnostics or [[Atheism|atheists]].<ref>http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html</ref>

Even though the membership in the main Lutheran church is high, the population is not highly religious. Polls suggest that 28-60% of the population to be either agnostics or [[Atheism|atheists]].<ref>http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html</ref>

===Government===

===Government===

====Political parties====

====Political parties====

Finland's proportional representation system (D'Hond method) encourages a multitude of political parties and has resulted in many coalition governments. Political activity by communists was legalized in 1944, and although four major parties have dominated the postwar political arena, none now has a majority position.  

Finland's proportional representation system (D'Hond method) encourages a multitude of political parties and has resulted in many coalition governments. Political activity by communists was legalized in 1944, and although four major parties have dominated the postwar political arena, none now has a majority position.

In elections held in 2007, the Center Party (Keskusta, KESK.), traditionally representing rural interests, kept its position as the biggest party. The then-opposition National Coalition (Kokoomus, KOK.), came away as the biggest winner, gaining 10 seats and becoming the second-largest political party in the country. The Center then formed a four-party governing coalition with KOK and the Swedish People's Party (Ruotsalainen kansanpuolue, RKP.) and the Greens (Vihreät, VIH.). The Social Democratic Party (SDP) suffered a defeat in these elections and fell to the third position among the big parties. Of the other parties, the Finns (Perussuomalaiset PS.), VIH and the RKP were able to gain seats in parliament. KOK received the portfolios of foreign minister, finance minister, and defense minister.

 

In elections held in 2015, the Center Party (Keskusta, or KESK), traditionally representing rural interests, became the largest party again, seeing large electoral gains. The [[conservative]] [[True Finns]] party (Perussuomalaiset, or PS) became the second largest in the country, although it lost a single seat. The Center Party then formed a three-party governing coalition with the right-of-center National Coalition (Kokoomus, or KOK) and the True Finns, though the True Finns party was kicked out of the coalition after more consistent conservatives took control of the party. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) suffered a defeat in the election and fell to fourth place.

====Principal Government Officials====

====Principal Government Officials====

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

Finland's basic foreign policy goal from the end of the Continuation War with Soviet Union in 1944 until 1991 was to avoid great-power conflicts and to build mutual confidence with the Soviet Union. Although the country was culturally, socially, and politically Western, Finns realized they must live in peace with Soviet Union and take no action that might be interpreted as a security threat. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 opened up dramatic new possibilities for Finland and has resulted in the Finns actively seeking greater participation in Western political and economic structures. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and euro in 2002.

Finland's basic foreign policy goal from the end of the Continuation War with the Soviet Union in 1944 until 1991 was to avoid great-power conflicts and to build mutual confidence with the Soviet Union. Although the country was culturally, socially, and politically Western, Finns realized they must live in peace with the Soviet Union and take no action that might be interpreted as a security threat. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 opened up dramatic new possibilities for Finland and has resulted in the Finns actively seeking greater participation in Western political and economic structures. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and euro in 2002.

====Previous relations with the Soviet Union, and today with Russia====  

====Previous relations with the Soviet Union, and today with Russia====  

The principal architect of the post-1944 foreign policy of neutrality was J.K. Paasikivi, who was President from 1946 to 1956. Urho Kekkonen, President from 1956 until 1981, further developed this policy, stressing that Finland should be an active rather than a passive neutral. This policy is now popularly known as the "Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line."  

The principal architect of the post-1944 foreign policy of neutrality was J.K. Paasikivi, who was President from 1946 to 1956. Urho Kekkonen, President from 1956 until 1981, further developed this policy, stressing that Finland should be an active rather than a passive neutral. This policy is now popularly known as the "Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line."  

Finland and Soviet Union signed a peace treaty at Paris in February 1947 limiting the size of Finland's defense forces and providing for the cession to the Soviet Union of the Petsamo area on the Arctic coast, the Karelian Isthmus in southeastern Finland, and other territory along the former eastern border. Another provision, terminated in 1956, leased the Porkkala area near Helsinki toMSoviet Union for use as a naval base and gave free access to this area across Finnish territory.  

Finland and the U.S.S.R. signed a peace treaty at Paris in February 1947 limiting the size of Finland's defense forces and providing for the cession to the Soviet Union of the Petsamo area on the Arctic coast, the Karelian Isthmus in southeastern Finland, and other territory along the former eastern border. Another provision, terminated in 1956, leased the Porkkala area near Helsinki to the U.S.S.R. for use as a naval base and gave free access to this area across Finnish territory.  

The 1947 treaty also called for Finland to pay to the Soviet Union reparations of 300 million gold dollars (amounting to an estimated $570 million in 1952, the year the payments ended). Although an ally of the Soviet Union in World War II, the United States was not a signatory to this treaty because it had not been at war with Finland.  

The 1947 treaty also called for Finland to pay to the Soviet Union reparations of 300 million gold dollars (amounting to an estimated $570 million in 1952, the year the payments ended). Although an ally of the Soviet Union in World War II, the United States was not a signatory to this treaty because it had not been at war with Finland.  

In April 1948, Finland signed an Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with the Soviet Union. Under this mutual assistance pact, Finland was obligated—with the aid of the Soviet Union, if necessary—to resist armed attacks by Germany or its allies against Finland or against Soviet Union through Finland. At the same time, the agreement recognized Finland's desire to remain outside great-power conflicts. This agreement was renewed for 20 years in 1955, in 1970, and again in 1983 to the year 2003, although the subsequent dissolution of the Soviet Union led to the agreement's abrogation.  

In April 1948, Finland signed an Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with the Soviet Union. Under this mutual assistance pact, Finland was obligated—with the aid of the Soviet Union, if necessary—to resist armed attacks by Germany or its allies against Finland or against the U.S.S.R. through Finland. At the same time, the agreement recognized Finland's desire to remain outside great-power conflicts. This agreement was renewed for 20 years in 1955, in 1970, and again in 1983 to the year 2003, although the subsequent dissolution of the Soviet Union led to the agreement's abrogation.  

The Finns responded cautiously in 1990-91 to the decline of Soviet power and Soviet Union subsequent dissolution. They unilaterally abrogated restrictions imposed by the 1947 and 1948 treaties, joined in voicing Nordic concern over the coup against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and gave increasing unofficial encouragement to Baltic independence.  

The Finns responded cautiously in 1990-91 to the decline of Soviet power and the U.S.S.R.'s subsequent dissolution. They unilaterally abrogated restrictions imposed by the 1947 and 1948 treaties, joined in voicing Nordic concern over the coup against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and gave increasing unofficial encouragement to Baltic independence.  

At the same time, by replacing the Soviet-Finnish mutual assistance pact with treaties on general cooperation and trade, Finns put themselves on an equal footing while retaining a friendly bilateral relationship. Finland now is boosting cross-border commercial ties and touting its potential as a commercial gateway to Russia. It has reassured Russia that it will not raise claims for Finnish territory seized by Soviet Union and continues to reaffirm the importance of good bilateral relations.

At the same time, by replacing the Soviet-Finnish mutual assistance pact with treaties on general cooperation and trade, Finns put themselves on an equal footing while retaining a friendly bilateral relationship. Finland now is boosting cross-border commercial ties and touting its potential as a commercial gateway to Russia. It has reassured Russia that it will not raise claims for Finnish territory seized by the U.S.S.R. and continues to reaffirm the importance of good bilateral relations.

====Multilateral Relations====

====Multilateral Relations====

Finnish foreign policy emphasizes its participation in multilateral organizations. Finland joined the United Nations in 1955 and the EU in 1995. As noted, the country also is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace as well as a member in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. As a NATO partner, Finland had 100 troops in Afghanistan as of September 2007.  

Finnish foreign policy emphasizes its participation in multilateral organizations. Finland joined the United Nations in 1955 and the EU in 1995. As noted, the country also is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace as well as a member of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. As a NATO partner, Finland had 100 troops in Afghanistan as of September 2007.  

Finland is well represented in the UN civil service in proportion to its population and belongs to several of its specialized and related agencies. Finnish troops have participated in UN peacekeeping activities since 1956, and the Finns continue to be one of the largest per capita contributors of peacekeepers in the world. Finland is an active participant in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and in early 1995 assumed the co-chairmanship of the OSCE's Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  

Finland is well represented in the UN civil service in proportion to its population and belongs to several of its specialized and related agencies. Finnish troops have participated in UN peacekeeping activities since 1956, and the Finns continue to be one of the largest per capita contributors of peacekeepers in the world. Finland is an active participant in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and in early 1995 assumed the co-chairmanship of the OSCE's Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  

Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imported raw materials, energy, and some components for its manufactured products. Farms tend to be small, but farmers own sizable timber stands that are harvested for supplementary income in winter. The country's main agricultural products are dairy, meat, and grains. Finland's EU accession has accelerated the process of restructuring and downsizing of this sector.  

Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imported raw materials, energy, and some components for its manufactured products. Farms tend to be small, but farmers own sizable timber stands that are harvested for supplementary income in winter. The country's main agricultural products are dairy, meat, and grains. Finland's EU accession has accelerated the process of restructuring and downsizing of this sector.  

*GDP: $289.557 billion.

*GDP: 224€ billion.

*GDP growth rate: 2.7%.

*GDP growth rate: 2.7%.

*Per capita income: 40,612€.

*Per capita income: $52,422.

*Inflation rate: 0.8%.  

*Inflation rate: 0.8%.

*Overall tax level is 43.4%.

*Natural resources: Forests, minerals (copper, zinc, iron), farmland.

*Natural resources: Forests, minerals (copper, zinc, iron), farmland.

*Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Products—meat (pork and beef), grain (wheat, rye, barley, oats), dairy products, potatoes, rapeseed.  

*Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting: Products—meat (pork and beef), grain (wheat, rye, barley, oats), dairy products, potatoes, rapeseed.  

*GDP consist of 70.2% services, 27.1% industry and 2.7 primary sector.

*Industry (30.1% of GDP): Types—metal (including electronics and electrical equipment) and engineering, forest products, chemicals, shipbuilding, foodstuffs, textiles.

*Industry Types—metal (including electronics and electrical equipment) and engineering, forest products, chemicals, shipbuilding, foodstuffs, textiles.

*Trade: Exports—60€ billion. Major markets—Germany 14.2%, Sweden 10.3%, Nederlands 6.9%. Import--62€ billion.  Major suppliers—Germany 15.5%, Russia 13.2%, Sweden 11%.

 

*Overall tax level is 43.4%.  

*Trade: Exports--60€ billion. Major markets—Germany 14.2%, Sweden 10.3%, Nederlands 6.9%. Import--62€ billion.  Major suppliers—Germany 15.5%, Russia 13.2%, Sweden 11%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The city of Helsinki won the right to host the 1952 Olympic Games and experienced a brief economic boom. As is often the case with host nations, it was subsequently followed by a period of depression, commonly referred to as the Olympic "hangover".  

{{Copyright Details (US Government)}}

{{Copyright Details (US Government)}}