Finland

Finland, or 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. The capital and largest city is Helsinki. Finland has a population of 5.7 million people.

Finland has a varied climate, from humid continental in the south to boreal in the north, and its land is covered mostly by boreal forest with many lakes. The country has a strong history, starting from around 9000 BC after the last Ice Age. Over time, Finland became part of Sweden and later an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian Empire. Finland declared independence in 1917 and became a republic in 1919.

Today, Finland is known for its advanced economy, high per capita income, and excellent education system. The country values egalitarianism, secularism, human rights, and environmentalism. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and became a member of NATO in 2023 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Etymology

See also: Finn (ethnonym) § Etymology

The name Suomi means "Finland" in the Finnish language, but where it came from is not certain. Some think it might be related to a word used by the Sámi people.

In old times, from the 1100s to the 1300s, the word "Finland" only described a part of the country near the city of Turku. Later, as more of the land became part of Sweden, people called the whole area Finlandia et partes orientales or Österland meaning "Eastland". The word Österland was used until around the 1500s. Different parts of the land had their own names too, like Tavastia for the inner areas. Eventually, the name "Finland" grew to include all the lands we know today as Finland.

History

Main article: History of Finland

Prehistory

Main article: History of Finland § Prehistory

The area that is now Finland was settled around 8500 BC during the Stone Age, near the end of the last glacial period. The first people were hunter-gatherers, using stone tools. The first pottery appeared in 5200 BC with the Comb Ceramic culture, which produced pottery with a comb pattern. The Corded Ware culture arrived between 3000 and 2500 BC, bringing the start of agriculture, though hunting and fishing remained important.

Finland was mostly home to speakers of Paleo-European languages before the Finno-Ugric peoples arrived. These languages influenced the Sámi languages, who were the first Finno-Ugric people to move into Finland. In the Bronze Age, farming and animal raising became more common, and the Seima-Turbino phenomenon brought the first bronze tools to the area. Trade with Estonia expanded to Scandinavia.

During the Iron Age, Finland's population grew, especially in Finland Proper. Trade in the Baltic Sea region increased, with Finland exporting furs, slaves, castoreum, and falcons. Imports included silk, fabrics, jewelry, Ulfberht swords, and glass. Iron production began around 500 BC, and by the end of the ninth century, Finland had a distinct local culture.

Swedish era

The 12th and 13th centuries were turbulent in the northern Baltic Sea. Finnish tribes like the Tavastians and Karelians often clashed with Novgorod and each other. Crusades from Catholic regions targeted Finnish tribes. Danes and Swedes conducted several crusades to Finland, leading to Finland gradually becoming part of Sweden and the Catholic Church's influence.

Under Swedish rule, Finland was integrated into Western Europe. Swedes built fortresses in Häme and Turku and established a Swedish royal council, administrative structures, and law codes. Swedish was the main language of nobility, administration, and education, while Finnish was used by the peasantry, clergy, and local courts.

During the Protestant Reformation, Finns converted to Lutheranism. The end of the Kalmar Union brought religious, social, and economic changes. Gustav Vasa made his son Johan the duke of Finland, and Gustav Adolf created the office of governor-general for Finland. In the 16th century, Mikael Agricola published the first written works in Finnish, and Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa in 1555. The first university in Finland, the Royal Academy of Turku, was established in 1640.

Finland gained a reputation as skilled cavalrymen in the Thirty Years' War. However, a severe famine in 1695–1697 caused significant loss of life, followed by a devastating plague.

In the 18th century, wars between Sweden and Russia led to Finnish lands being occupied by Russian forces during the Greater Wrath (1714–1721) and the Lesser Wrath (1742–1743).

Grand Duchy of Finland

The Swedish era ended with the Finnish War of 1809. Finland became an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian Empire, recognized by the Diet of Porvoo. This continued until the end of 1917. In 1812, Russia added the province of Vyborg to the Grand Duchy of Finland. In 1854, Finland was affected by the Crimean War when British and French navies bombed the Finnish coast and Åland during the Åland War.

Although Swedish remained widely spoken, the Finnish language gained recognition. A strong nationalist movement, the Fennoman movement, emerged from the 1860s, advocating for the official status of Finnish and introducing the Finnish markka in 1865. Milestones included the publication of Finland's national epic, the Kalevala, in 1835, and the legal equality of Finnish with Swedish in 1892. A Finnish national identity was established, though independence movements only began in the early 20th century.

The Finnish famine of 1866–1868, caused by freezing temperatures, killed around 15% of the population. The famine led Russia to relax financial regulations, and investment increased, leading to rapid economic development. Finland's GDP per capita was still half that of the United States and a third of Britain's.

From 1899 to 1917, Russia pursued a policy of Russification, which was paused between 1905 and 1908. In 1906, universal suffrage was introduced in the Grand Duchy of Finland. However, relations soured as Russia restricted Finland's autonomy. Universal suffrage became less meaningful as the tsar did not have to approve laws passed by the Finnish parliament. The desire for independence grew, driven by the February Manifesto by Tsar Nicholas II in 1899.

Civil war and early independence

Main articles: Independence of Finland and Finnish Civil War

After the February Revolution of 1917, Finland's position as a Grand Duchy under Russia was questioned. The Finnish parliament, controlled by the Social Democrats, passed the Power Act to give the parliament supreme authority, but this was rejected by the Russian Provisional Government. New elections resulted in a right-wing majority. Some social democrats refused to accept the results, claiming the elections were unlawful.

The October Revolution in Russia changed the situation. The right-wing government, led by Prime Minister P. E. Svinhufvud, presented the Declaration of Independence on 4 December 1917, approved by the Finnish Parliament on 6 December. The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic recognized Finland's independence on 4 January 1918.

On 27 January 1918, the government began disarming Russian forces in Ostrobothnia. Socialists took control of southern Finland and Helsinki, but the white government continued in exile in Vaasa. This led to a brief but intense civil war. The Whites, backed by Imperial Germany, defeated the Reds and their Finnish Socialist Workers' Republic. After the war, many Reds were held in camps, and thousands died from execution or disease. Deep divisions between Reds and Whites lasted well beyond the Winter War.

After a brief attempt at monarchy, Finland adopted a republican constitution and became a presidential republic, with K. J. Ståhlberg elected as its first president on 25 July 1919. Ståhlberg promoted liberal democracy, the rule of law, and internal reforms. Finland was also among the first European countries to support women's equality, with Miina Sillanpää becoming the first female minister in 1926–1927. The Finnish-Russian border was set in 1920 by the Treaty of Tartu, giving Finland Pechenga and its Barents Sea port. Finnish democracy survived Soviet coup attempts and the anti-communist Lapua movement.

In 1917, Finland had three million people. After the civil war, land reform was introduced, increasing access to capital. About 70% of the workforce was in agriculture, and 10% in industry.

World War II

The Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact on 23 August 1939, dividing Europe into spheres of influence. In line with the pact, the Soviet Union launched the Winter War on 30 November 1939 to annex Finland. The Finnish Democratic Republic was established by Joseph Stalin to govern Finland after Soviet conquest. The attack was widely condemned, leading to the Soviet Union's expulsion from the League of Nations. The Red Army faced defeats, notably at the Battle of Suomussalmi. After two months of little progress and heavy losses, Soviet forces advanced in February and reached Vyborg in March. The Moscow Peace Treaty was signed on 12 March 1940, ending the war. Finland defended its independence but lost 9% of its territory. Between 1939 and 1944, about 400,000 people were evacuated from Karelia.

Hostilities resumed in June 1941 with the Continuation War, as Finland allied with Germany after its invasion of the Soviet Union, aiming to regain lost territory. Finnish troops occupied Eastern Karelia from 1941 to 1944 and assisted Germany in the Siege of Leningrad. The Soviet Vyborg–Petrozavodsk offensive in summer 1944 led to a breakthrough, but the Finns repulsed it at Tali–Ihantala. This led to a stalemate and later an armistice. This was followed by the Lapland War of 1944–1945, when Finland fought retreating German forces in northern Finland.

The Armistice and treaty with the Soviet Union in 1944 and 1948 included obligations, restraints, reparations, and territorial concessions. Finland lost 12% of its land area, 20% of its industrial capacity, its second-largest city, Vyborg, and the ice-free port of Liinakhamari. Finland lost around 97,000 soldiers and paid war reparations initially set at $300 million in 1938 prices, later adjusted to $226.5 million. However, Finland avoided Soviet occupation and retained its independence. Along with Great Britain, Finland was one of the only European countries to participate in the war without being occupied and preserving its democracy.

In the decades after World War II, communists were a strong political force. The Soviet Union persuaded Finland to refuse Marshall Plan aid. However, the United States provided secret development aid and supported the Social Democratic Party.

After the war

Trade with Western powers and reparations payments transformed Finland from an agrarian society to an industrialised one. Valmet, originally a shipyard and metal workshops, was established to produce materials for war reparations. After reparations were paid, Finland continued trading with the Soviet Union.

By 1950, 46% of Finnish workers were in agriculture, and a third lived in urban areas, but new jobs in manufacturing, services, and trade drew people to cities. Birth rates fell from a peak of 3.5 in 1947 to 1.5 in 1973. As the baby boomers entered the workforce, the economy struggled to create enough jobs, leading hundreds of thousands to emigrate to Sweden, peaking in 1969 and 1970. Finland joined trade liberalisation in the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

During the Cold War, Finland embraced neutrality. The YYA Treaty (Finno-Soviet Pact of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance) recognised Finland's desire to stay out of great-power conflicts. From 1956, President Urho Kekkonen had a strong role in relations with the Soviet Union, which was crucial to his popularity. There was a tendency to avoid policies seen as anti-Soviet, a phenomenon called "Finlandisation" by the West German press.

Finland maintained a market economy. Various industries benefited from trade privileges with the Soviets. Economic growth was rapid in the post-war period, and by 1975, Finland's GDP per capita was 15th highest in the world. During the 1970s and 1980s, Finland built an extensive welfare state. In 1973, Finland negotiated a treaty with the European Economic Community (EEC) to reduce tariffs and enhance trade.

Miscalculated economic decisions, a banking crisis, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and a global downturn caused a deep recession in the early 1990s. The recession ended in 1993, and Finland experienced over a decade of steady growth. After the Soviet Union's collapse, Finland integrated more closely with the West. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and the euro zone in 1999. Much of the late 1990s growth was driven by the success of mobile phone manufacturer Nokia.

21st century

Finns elected Tarja Halonen in the 2000 Presidential election, making her the first female President of Finland. Her predecessor, President Martti Ahtisaari, later won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008. The 2008 financial crisis weakened Finland's exports, leading to slower growth throughout the decade. Sauli Niinistö was elected President from 2012 until 2024, when Alexander Stubb took over.

Finnish support for NATO rose sharply after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Before February 2022, most people were against NATO membership; by April, a large majority supported it. On 11 May 2022, Finland signed a mutual security pact with the United Kingdom. On 12 May, Finland's president and Prime Minister called for NATO membership "without delay". On 17 May, Parliament voted 188–8 in favour of joining NATO. Finland became a NATO member on 4 April 2023.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Finland

See also: List of cities and towns in Finland, List of lakes of Finland, List of national parks of Finland, and Environmental issues in Finland

Finland is often called "the land of a thousand lakes." It is located in Northern Europe, between latitudes 60° and 70° N, and longitudes 20° and 32° E. Finland is one of the world's northernmost countries. Only Reykjavík lies farther north than the capital, Helsinki.

Finland has about 168,000 lakes and 179,000 islands. Its largest lake, Saimaa, is the fourth largest in Europe. The country has many forests, with pine, spruce, and birch being common. Much of Finland's shape was formed during the Ice Age, leaving a mostly flat landscape with some hills. The highest point is Halti, at 1,324 metres (4,344 ft).

Main articles: Fauna of Finland and Wildlife of Finland

Finland has many animals and birds, including the brown bear, grey wolf, and the whooper swan, which is Finland's national bird. The country also has many fish, such as the northern pike and perch.

Main article: Climate of Finland

Finland's climate is influenced by its location far north. Winters are long and cold, especially in the north, while summers are warm but short. In the south, winter temperatures can fall to −30 °C (−22 °F), while in the north they can reach −45 °C (−49 °F). Summers in the south last from late May to mid-September, with the warmest days reaching over 35 °C (95 °F). In the north, summer is only two to three months long. Finland is known for having a lot of daylight in the summer and very little in the winter, especially in the north.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Finland

Modern Finland values fairness and equality. The country follows a system where the government helps people and supports important areas like health and education. Finland is known for treating everyone equally, protecting rights, and caring for the environment.

Constitution

The Constitution of Finland sets the rules for how the country is run. Finland is a place where leaders are chosen by the people, and everyone can vote in elections for the government.

President

Finland’s leader is called the President of the Republic. The president helps make important decisions, especially about safety and relationships with other countries. The president is chosen by people voting and can serve for two terms of six years each. The current president is Alexander Stubb, who began in 2024.

Parliament

The Parliament of Finland has 200 members who make laws and decide important issues. They are chosen by people voting every four years. Different groups, called parties, work together to make decisions.

Cabinet

After elections, leaders from different parties form a group called the cabinet. This group helps run the country and makes plans for new laws. The cabinet is led by the Prime Minister of Finland. The current cabinet is led by Petteri Orpo and began in 2023.

Administrative divisions

Finland is divided into areas called municipalities, where local leaders make decisions for their communities. These areas help with schools, services, and taking care of people. There are also larger regions that work together on special projects.

Law

Finland’s laws are based on fairness and helping people live well together. Courts help solve problems and make sure everyone follows the rules. Finland is known for being a safe place with low crime.

Foreign relations

Finland works with other countries to help keep peace and support important values. The president helps lead these efforts together with the government.

Military

Finland has an army, navy, and air force. People can choose to serve when they are old enough. Finland works with other countries to help keep peace around the world. Finland joined NATO in 2023 to help protect itself and its friends.

Human rights

Finland is known for treating all people fairly and helping everyone have a good life. The country works hard to make sure everyone is treated equally, no matter who they are. Finland is also a place where people can speak freely and share ideas.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Finland

See also: List of companies of Finland, List of largest companies in Finland, and Helsinki Stock Exchange

Finland is a wealthy country with a strong economy. As of 2022, it ranked 16th in the world for income per person. The country has a good system that offers free education and healthcare to everyone.

The biggest part of Finland’s economy comes from services, which make up 66% of all money made. Manufacturing and refining add another 31%, while farming and other natural resources make up the rest. Finland is known for making electronics, machinery, and forest products like paper. The country also has lots of timber, minerals, and freshwater.

Finland’s cold climate makes farming tricky, but people there have found smart ways to grow food, like using special plants that grow fast and drain extra water. Forests are very important to Finland, providing wood for many industries.

Energy

See also: Energy in Finland, Nordic energy market, Peat energy in Finland, and Nuclear power in Finland

Finland produces its energy in many ways. About 40% comes from nuclear power, with five reactors in use. The country also uses hydropower and other renewable energy sources. Finland has some peat and wood resources for energy too. In 2022, Finland had very low electricity prices for homes.

Main article: Nuclear power in Finland

Finland has five nuclear reactors that provide a big part of the country’s power. Three are at the Olkiluoto plant, and two older ones are at Loviisa.

The Onkalo spent nuclear fuel repository is under construction at the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant in Eurajoki, by the company Posiva.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Finland

A VR Class Sr2 locomotive. The state-owned VR operates a railway network serving all major cities in Finland.

A Finnair airplane in Helsinki Airport

Most travel in Finland happens on roads. The government spends money each year to keep roads, railways, and other transport in good shape. Finland has many airports, with Helsinki Airport being the biggest. Airlines like Finnair connect Finland to the world.

Trains run across the country, with Helsinki having the world’s northernmost metro system. Big ports like Vuosaari in Helsinki handle lots of cargo, and ferries connect Finland to places like Estonia and Sweden.

Industry

Main article: Economy of Finland

After World War II, Finland grew quickly. The economy was built on making metal things and using forests. Today, Finland makes ships, cars, electronics, and forest products like paper. Companies like Nokia and Rovio have also helped Finland grow in new areas like technology and video games.

In 2023, Finland’s economy had about 2.3% from farming, 23.9% from making things, and 61.4% from services.

Public policy

See also: Nordic model

Finland follows the Nordic model, which means it has free trade and low protection for goods, except for farming. The country is known for being easy to do business with, having clear laws and low corruption. Workers often join unions, which help set fair pay and working conditions.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Finland

Tourism helps Finland’s economy. In 2017, it brought in about €15 billion. Many visitors come to see Lapland’s beautiful nights and the northern lights. Tourist spots include Helsinki’s cathedral, amusement parks, and places like Santa Claus Village. Finland also has many national parks and activities like skiing and fishing.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Finland

The population of Finland is about 5.7 million people. Finland has one of the oldest populations in the world, with a median age of 44.1 years and many people aged 65 and over. The country has a low birth rate, with families having about 1.26 children on average. This is well below the level needed to keep the population stable.

Finland's population is mostly concentrated in the southern parts of the country. The largest cities are in the Helsinki area, including Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa. Finland also has growing numbers of people from other countries, with many coming from places like Estonia, Russia, and Ukraine.

Languages

See also: List of municipalities of Finland in which Finnish is not the sole official language

Finnish and Swedish are the official languages of Finland. Finnish is spoken by most people, while Swedish is spoken in some coastal areas and on the island of Åland. English is also widely studied and spoken, especially by younger people. Other languages spoken in Finland include Russian, Estonian, and Arabic, reflecting the country's increasing diversity.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Finland

Most people in Finland belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, though the number of members has been decreasing in recent years. A large portion of the population has no religious affiliation. Smaller groups include the Orthodox Church, various Protestant denominations, and Muslim communities. Religious freedom is protected, and the state has no official religion.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Finland

Finland has a strong healthcare system, with high life expectancy and low child mortality rates. However, there are growing challenges with lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and mental health issues. Finland is also known for its high levels of happiness and quality of life.

Education and science

Main article: Education in Finland

Education in Finland begins at age 7 and is free and compulsory until age 18. The system includes primary school, lower secondary school, and then either vocational training or academic upper secondary education. Finland is known for its strong performance in science and technology, with many students pursuing studies in fields like biology, physics, and engineering. The country has several well-regarded universities and a high rate of people with tertiary education.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Finland

Literature

Written Finnish became known when a person named Mikael Agricola translated the New Testament into Finnish in the 1500s. But Finland’s famous books didn’t appear until the 1800s, when a movement began to celebrate Finnish culture. During this time, a man named Elias Lönnrot collected old poems and stories and put them together into a book called the Kalevala, which became Finland’s famous storybook. Many writers began creating stories in Finnish during this time, like Aleksis Kivi, Minna Canth, Eino Leino, and Juhani Aho.

Writers also created stories in Swedish, Finland’s other main language. Two famous writers in Swedish were Johan Ludvig Runeberg and Zachris Topelius.

After Finland became its own country, new styles of writing grew. Famous writers from this time include Frans Eemil Sillanpää, who won a big international award, Mika Waltari, and Väinö Linna. Today, Finland has many kinds of books, including mystery stories and popular books. One of Finland’s most famous authors worldwide is Tove Jansson, who created the Moomins.

Visual arts, design, and architecture

See also: Architecture of Finland and Finnish art

In the 1800s, Finnish artists began creating paintings and designs that showed Finland’s own style. One of the most famous painters was Akseli Gallen-Kallela, who painted in many styles. Other famous painters included Pekka Halonen, Eero Järnefelt, Helene Schjerfbeck, and Hugo Simberg.

One of Finland’s most famous sculptors was Wäinö Aaltonen, known for his big statues. Other important sculptors were Eila Hiltunen and Laila Pullinen.

Finland is also known for its design and architecture. Famous designers include Timo Sarpaneva, Tapio Wirkkala, and Ilmari Tapiovaara. Finland’s buildings are famous around the world. Two well-known architects were Eliel Saarinen and his son Eero Saarinen. Another famous architect was Alvar Aalto, who helped create a special style of building called functionalism and also designed furniture and glass products.

Music

Main articles: Music of Finland and Sami music

Folk

Finnish folk music has two main parts: dance music and older poem singing. The poems were used to make the Kalevala, Finland’s famous storybook. In Finland’s Karelia area and other eastern parts, these old poems were kept alive longer than in western Finland. In the 1800s, Nordic dance music became more popular. Today, folk music is mixed with popular music. In northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway, the Sámi people sing special spiritual songs called joik.

Classical

The first Finnish opera was written in 1852 by a composer named Fredrik Pacius, who also wrote Finland’s national anthem. In the late 1800s, a composer named Jean Sibelius became very famous for his music, especially a piece called Finlandia, which helped Finland become independent. Other important composers included Oskar Merikanto, Toivo Kuula, Erkki Melartin, Leevi Madetoja, and Uuno Klami. Modern composers like Einojuhani Rautavaara, Aulis Sallinen, and Magnus Lindberg are also well known. Today, Finland has many successful musicians, such as conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, opera singer Karita Mattila, and violinist Pekka Kuusisto.

Popular music

A type of Finnish pop song called iskelmä comes from a German word meaning “hit.” Finnish popular music also includes dance styles like tango from Argentina. In Swedish-speaking areas, music has influences from Sweden. Some Finnish songs, like Säkkijärven polkka and Ievan polkka, are known around the world.

In the 1970s, bands like Wigwam and Hurriganes became famous. Finland’s punk scene included bands like Terveet Kädet. Hanoi Rocks was a famous glam rock band. Finland is known as the “Promised Land of Heavy Metal” because it has many metal bands. Popular music today includes rock, pop, jazz, hip-hop, and dance music.

Finland won a big music contest called the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 with the band Lordi. In 2023, a Finnish pop artist named Käärijä came in second with a worldwide hit song.

Cinema and television

Main articles: Cinema of Finland and Television in Finland

See also: Lists of Finnish films

Finland has many famous film directors, including brothers Mika and Aki Kaurismäki, Dome Karukoski, Antti Jokinen, Jalmari Helander, and Renny Harlin. Some Finnish TV shows are known around the world, like Bordertown.

Some of Finland’s most successful films include The White Reindeer, The Man Without a Past, and The Fencer. Other important Finnish films are The Unknown Soldier, Here, Beneath the North Star, and Inspector Palmu's Mistake.

Media and communications

Main article: Mass media in Finland

Finland has many newspapers, magazines, and radio stations. The biggest newspaper is Helsingin Sanomat. Yle, Finland’s broadcasting company, runs television and radio channels. Each year, thousands of new books are published.

Finland’s press is known for being free and fair. Finns spend a lot of time reading newspapers. Finland is also known for having good technology for communication.

Sauna

Main article: Finnish sauna

Sauna is a big part of Finnish culture. Almost every Finnish home has a sauna, and many public places like swimming halls and hotels have them too. Sauna traditions are especially strong around Midsummer and Christmas.

Cuisine

Main article: Finnish cuisine

Finnish food uses potatoes, meat, and fish. Traditional dishes often include wholemeal products like rye, barley, and oats, and berries like bilberries and lingonberries. Milk and buttermilk are also common. Salmon is a popular fish in Finland.

Finland drinks a lot of coffee—more than almost any other country. Finns also drink a lot of milk, even though some people can’t digest lactose.

Public holidays

Main articles: Public holidays in Finland and Flag flying days in Finland

Finland has many public holidays. Some of the most important ones are Christmas, Midsummer, May Day, and Independence Day. Christmas and Midsummer are special because the biggest celebrations happen on the evenings before the actual holidays. Other holidays include New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension Day, All Saints’ Day, and Saint Stephen’s Day. All holidays are decided by the Finnish Parliament.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Finland

See also: Finland at the Olympics

Many sports are popular in Finland. Pesäpallo, which is like baseball, is Finland’s national sport. But ice hockey is the most popular sport to watch. Other popular sports include athletics, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, football, volleyball, and basketball. Football is the most played team sport.

Finland has done very well in the Olympics, winning many medals per person. Finland first joined the Olympics in 1908. In 1912, a runner named Hannes Kolehmainen won three gold medals. In the 1920s and 1930s, Finnish runners like Paavo Nurmi won many Olympic gold medals. The 1952 Summer Olympics were held in Helsinki.

Finland has also been successful in throwing the javelin and in figure skating. In car racing, Finland has produced many world champions in rally and Formula One racing.

Popular activities for fun include Nordic walking, running, cycling, and skiing. Floorball is a popular sport for young people and in workplaces.