Overview
Background
A Swedish province and later a grand duchy, Finland was under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries. After 1809, it became an autonomous grand duchy of Russia before gaining complete independence in 1917. During World War II, Finland successfully defended its independence through cooperation with Germany and resisted subsequent invasions by the Soviet Union, while losing some territory. Over the next half-century, Finland changed from a farm/forest economy into a diversified modern industrial economy.
Finland joined the EU in 1995 and was the only Nordic state to join the euro single currency at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, its modern welfare state centered on high-quality education, promotion of equality, and a national social welfare system. That system faced the challenges of an aging population and fluctuations in an export-driven economy. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland opted to join NATO and became the organization's 31st member in April 2023.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
Geography
Between Sweden and Russia, Finland lies in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia, and the Gulf of Finland. Finland has a long boundary with Russia, and Helsinki is the northernmost national capital on the European continent. Its population is concentrated on a small southwestern coastal plain.
Mostly low, flat to rolling plains are interspersed with lakes and low hills. Timber, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, nickel, gold, silver, and limestone are natural resources. Halti, alternatively Haltia, Haltitunturi, or Haltiatunturi, is Finland's highest point. The Baltic Sea is Finland's lowest point.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
People and society
Finnish, Swedish, Russian, Estonian, Romani, and Sami are among Finland's ethnic groups. Finnish and Swedish are official languages, while Russian and other languages are also spoken.
Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, and other religions are present in Finland. Some people have no religion. The vast majority of people are found in the south, while the northern interior areas remain sparsely populated.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
Finland