Finns

Finns are a Finno-Ugric ethnic group native to Finland. With a population of approximately 5 million people, Finns make up the majority of the population in Finland. The Finnish language, part of the Finno-Ugric language family, is the primary language spoken by Finns, alongside Swedish, which is also an official language in Finland due to historical reasons.

History

The history of the Finns is deeply intertwined with the geographical area of modern-day Finland. The area has been inhabited since the end of the last Ice Age, around 9000 BCE. Early Finnish history is characterized by a series of migrations, with significant influences from both the east and the west. The Swedish Empire exerted a strong influence on Finland from the 12th century onwards, leading to centuries of Swedish rule. This period introduced Swedish as a language of administration and education in Finland. In 1809, Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire, a status it retained until declaring independence in 1917.

Culture

Finnish culture is a rich tapestry that includes unique traditions, arts, and festivals. Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture, with a sauna for every two people in Finland on average. Traditional Finnish music is often characterized by the use of the kantele, a traditional plucked string instrument. Finland is also known for its contributions to modern design, with figures such as Alvar Aalto and Eero Saarinen making significant impacts in architecture and furniture design. The Finnish education system is renowned worldwide for its high quality and has been a model for various educational reforms around the globe.

Economy

Finland has a highly industrialized, mixed economy with a per capita output equal to that of other European economies such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Major industries include electronics (with companies like Nokia once leading the global mobile phone industry), machinery, vehicles and other engineered metal products, forest industry, and chemicals. Finland is also known for its robust social welfare system and is considered one of the world's most stable economies.

Geography

Finland is located in Northern Europe and shares land borders with Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east. To the south, it is bordered by the Gulf of Finland. The country is characterized by its vast forests (accounting for 75% of the land area), numerous lakes (it is often called the "Land of a Thousand Lakes"), and the Northern Lights visible in the Arctic Lapland. The Finnish landscape is mostly flat with few hills and mountains, except in the northwest where the Scandinavian Mountains are located.

Demographics

The majority of the population in Finland are ethnic Finns. The country has a small, but significant number of Swedish speakers, who have the same legal rights as Finnish speakers. Other minority groups include the Sami people, who are the indigenous people of the Arctic area including northern Finland, and recent immigrant groups from Russia, Estonia, and Somalia among others.

Government and Politics

Finland is a parliamentary republic with a central government based in Helsinki, the capital, and local governments in 309 municipalities. It has a multi-party system, and the president is elected by a direct popular vote for a six-year term. Finland is known for its transparency, low levels of corruption, and high levels of civic participation.