Finland

Lore & Background

Finland was first settled around 9000 BC after the last Ice Age. During the Stone Age, various cultures emerged, distinguished by different styles of ceramics. The Bronze Age and Iron Ages were marked by contacts with other cultures in Fennoscandia and the Baltic region. From the late 13th century, Finland became part of Sweden following the Northern Crusades. In 1809, as a result of the Finnish War, Finland was captured from Sweden and became an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian Empire. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Finland declared its independence. A civil war ensued the following year, with the anticommunist Whites emerging victorious. Finland's status as a republic was confirmed in 1919. During World War II, Finland fought against the Soviet Union in the Winter War and the Continuation War, and later against Nazi Germany in the Lapland War. As a result, it lost parts of its territory to the Soviet Union but retained its independence and democracy. During the Cold War, Finland embraced an official policy of neutrality. After the Cold War, Finland became a member of the European Union in 1995 and the Eurozone in 1999. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland joined NATO in 2023.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the frozen expanse of Lake Saimaa, carrying the scent of pine and snow. Elara pulled her woolen scarf tighter, watching her breath plume into the crisp midnight air. Though it was only late afternoon, the sun had already dipped below the horizon, leaving a bruised purple sky that promised the aurora soon. She walked toward the wooden cabin perched on the ice, its smokestack curling a thin ribbon of white against the darkening forest. Inside, the sauna was already hot, stones glowing red in the corner. It was a ritual as old as the land itself: to sweat out the winter's chill and find clarity in the steam. Outside, the silence was absolute, broken only by the crackle of ice shifting underfoot—a reminder that in this northern realm, nature held all the power.

Reader's Guide

Finland became the first country in Europe to grant universal suffrage in 1906, and the first in the world to give all adult citizens the right to run for public office. Finland remained a largely rural and agrarian country until the 1950s, when it pursued rapid industrialisation and a Nordic-style welfare state, resulting in an advanced economy and high per capita income. The country consistently ranks highly in international rankings across various categories, such as education, economic competitiveness, happiness, and prosperity. Finnish foreign policy based on its middle power status emphasizes international cooperation and partnership, which has recently shifted towards closer ties with NATO. Finnish cultural values, including egalitarianism, secularism, human rights, and environmentalism, are actively promoted through membership in multiple international forums.

Did You Know?

• Finland became the first country in Europe to grant universal suffrage in 1906.
• Finland has over 180,000 recorded lakes.
• The official languages are Finnish and Swedish.
• Finland joined NATO in 2023.