Finland

Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bothnia to the west and the Gulf of Finland to the south, opposite Estonia. Finland covers an area of 338,145 square kilometres (130,559 sq mi) and has a population of 5.6 million. Helsinki is the capital and largest city. The vast majority of the population are ethnic Finns. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish; 84.9 percent of the population speak the first as their mother tongue and 5.1 percent the latter. Finland's climate varies from humid continental in the south to boreal in the north. The land cover is predominantly boreal forest biome, with more than 180,000 recorded lakes.
finland

Some of the key events about Finland

  • 1808
    Finland was conquered by Russia, ending over 600 years of Swedish rule
  • 1866
    A severe famine struck Finland, resulting in the deaths of approximately 150,000 people
  • 1917
    Finland gained independence from Russia
  • 1918
    A bitter civil war erupted between the Reds and Whites, causing significant loss of life and societal division
  • 1921
    The Åland Islands were granted autonomy within Finland
  • 1939
    The Soviet Union invaded Finland, initiating the Winter War
  • 1941
    Finland entered World War II as a co-belligerent with Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union
  • 1944
    Finland was forced to cede territory to the Soviet Union as part of the Moscow Armistice
  • 1950s
    Finland experienced a period of "Finlandization", limiting its sovereignty in foreign policy due to Soviet influence
  • 1952
    Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympics
  • 1955
    Finland joined the United Nations
  • 1975
    Helsinki hosted the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe
  • 1990
    Finland entered a severe economic depression, with unemployment reaching nearly 20%
  • 1995
    Finland became a member of the European Union
  • 2000
    Helsinki was one of the nine European Capitals of Culture
  • 2004
    A tsunami in the Indian Ocean killed 179 Finnish tourists in Thailand
  • 2007
    A school shooting in Jokela resulted in the deaths of nine people, shocking the nation
  • 2010
    Finland became the first country to make broadband internet access a legal right
  • 2017
    Finland became the first country to experiment with a nationwide basic income program
  • 2019
    Finland ranked as the happiest country in the world for the second consecutive year

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Finland Latest news

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Sports, Culture • September 14 2024, 11:08 AM  •  1054 views
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Rethinking Germany's Role in Trans-Atlantic Relations

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Germany's reduced aid to Ukraine sparks debate on its geopolitical role. The article suggests accepting Germany's limited involvement and focusing on Eastern European NATO members for strategic partnerships.

Economics, Politics • September 11 2024, 01:44 PM  •  347 views
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Finland Proposes Property Ban for Russian Citizens, Citing Security

Finland Proposes Property Ban for Russian Citizens, Citing Security

Finland's government plans to restrict Russian citizens from purchasing property, aiming to safeguard national security. The proposal includes exemptions and follows recent tensions with Russia.

Politics • September 2 2024, 10:05 AM  •  392 views
War-Displaced Students Face Unique Challenges in U.S. Colleges

War-Displaced Students Face Unique Challenges in U.S. Colleges

As U. S. campuses reopen, displaced students grapple with emotional turmoil and academic pressures. Their stories reveal a stark contrast to typical college experiences, highlighting the impact of global conflicts on education.

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Russia Claims New Gains in Eastern Ukraine as Ukrainian Forces Face Pressure

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Baltic Freedom Anniversary Highlights Russia's Territorial Withdrawal Patterns

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As Estonia and Latvia mark 30 years since Russian troop withdrawal, Ukraine's struggle underscores the historical challenges of reclaiming occupied territories from Russia. Analysis reveals key factors in Moscow's territorial concessions.

Society, Politics • August 31 2024, 09:46 AM  •  876 views
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The ICE Pact, a new trilateral agreement, aims to boost icebreaker production and counter China's growing influence in the Arctic. This strategic move addresses US shipbuilding decline and regional geopolitical challenges.

Business, Politics, Science • August 28 2024, 08:11 PM  •  786 views
Air Guitar World Championships: Invisible Strings, Visible Passion in Finland

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The 27th Air Guitar World Championships in Oulu, Finland, showcases performers' passion without real instruments. The event promotes inclusivity and world peace through imaginative musical expression.

Sports, Culture • August 23 2024, 04:40 PM  •  458 views
Sweden's Road-Runway System: A Unique NATO Asset

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Sweden's innovative road-runway network, developed during the Cold War, attracts NATO's attention as a potential model for enhancing air force resilience against modern threats.

Politics • August 23 2024, 09:22 AM  •  349 views
Sweden's Road-Runway System: A Lesson for NATO's Air Defense

Sweden's Road-Runway System: A Lesson for NATO's Air Defense

Sweden's unique road-runway network, designed during the Cold War, offers valuable insights for NATO's air defense strategies. As concerns over potential Russian attacks grow, this system gains renewed relevance.

Politics • August 23 2024, 09:18 AM  •  357 views
China Expands Probe into EU Imports Amid EV Tariff Tensions

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China broadens investigation into EU products, including dairy and spirits, following proposed EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. France likely to be most affected, with potential for further probes into European car imports.

Economics, Politics • August 22 2024, 06:26 PM  •  249 views
Australia Implements "Right to Disconnect" Law, Boosting Work-Life Balance

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Australia introduces a new law allowing employees to ignore work-related contact outside working hours. The "right to disconnect" legislation, effective August 22, 2024, aims to improve work-life balance.

Society, Politics • August 22 2024, 09:24 AM  •  666 views
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Society, Politics • August 21 2024, 10:01 PM  •  575 views
Polish PM Tusk Responds to Nord Stream Sabotage Claims

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Economics, Politics • August 17 2024, 11:23 PM  •  4190 views
Russian Envoy Implicates US in Nord Stream Attack, Ukraine Denies Involvement

Russian Envoy Implicates US in Nord Stream Attack, Ukraine Denies Involvement

Russia's ambassador to Washington suggests US tacit approval in Nord Stream pipeline attack, while Ukraine denies involvement. Investigations continue as accusations fly between nations.

Economics, Politics • August 16 2024, 06:03 AM  •  775 views
Nordic Nations Unite to Combat Sweden's Gang Crime Spread

Nordic Nations Unite to Combat Sweden's Gang Crime Spread

Nordic countries plan joint police hub in Stockholm to address Sweden's gang violence. Denmark criticizes Sweden's 'sick' culture, as poor immigrant integration is blamed for the crime surge.

Society, Politics • August 14 2024, 05:02 PM  •  527 views
First U.S. Hobby Horse Championships Gallops into Michigan

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The inaugural U. S. Hobby Horse Championships in Almont, Michigan, drew over 100 competitors, marking a milestone for this unique sport. Originating from Finland, hobby horsing combines athleticism and imagination, attracting enthusiasts worldwide.

Sports, Culture • August 13 2024, 09:35 PM  •  837 views
Ukraine's Bold Move: Forces Push into Russian Territory

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Ukrainian troops advance into Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. Moscow responds with a "counterterrorism operation" as tensions escalate.

Society, Politics • August 10 2024, 09:21 AM  •  767 views