Finland

Finland or Suomi, as the Finns call their country, is located in Northern Europe between Sweden and Russia. Finland has a very small population of a little over 5 million people, and a population density of only about 16 people per sq.km. (40 per square mile). Over half a million Finns live in the capital, Helsinki, has over half a million inhabitants.

Finland is known for its forests and lakes. Forests cover roughly two thirds of the country's surface area of 338,000 sq. km. And with its 187,888 lakes, Finland has more lakes than any other country in the world.

Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Swedish is spoken as a mother tongue by about 6% of the population. Another minority language is Sami, spoken by the Samis of Lapland. The official standing of Swedish has historical roots in the period when Finland was part of the Swedish realm, a status that began approximately at the beginning of the 13th century and lasted until 1809.

To Sitemap - Historical Highlights of Finland

Last reviewed: December 8, 1997.