Portal:Finland

The Finland Portal

The flag of Finland

Location of 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, of which 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 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 the Swedish Empire as a result of the Northern Crusades. In 1809, as a result of the Finnish War, Finland was captured from Sweden and became a Grand Duchy of Finland, an autonomous state ruled by the Russian Empire. During this period, Finnish art flourished and the idea of full independence began to take hold. In 1906, Finland became the first European state to grant universal suffrage, and the first in the world to give all adult citizens the right to run for public office. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Finland declared its full independence. In 1918 the young nation was divided by the Finnish Civil War. 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 but retained its independence. (Full article...)

Selected article -

Tampere's civilian buildings destroyed during the Battle of Tampere

The Finnish Civil War was a civil war in Finland in 1918 fought for the leadership and control of the country between White Finland and the Finnish Socialist Workers' Republic (Red Finland) during the country's transition from a grand duchy ruled by the Russian Empire to a fully independent state. The clashes took place in the context of the national, political, and social turmoil caused by World War I (Eastern Front) in Europe. The war was fought between the Red Guards, led by a section of the Social Democratic Party, and the White Guards, conducted by the senate and those who opposed socialism with assistance late in the war by the German Imperial Army at the request of the Finnish civil government. The paramilitary Red Guards, which were composed of industrial and agrarian workers, controlled the cities and industrial centres of southern Finland. The paramilitary White Guards, which consisted of land owners and those in the middle and upper classes, controlled rural central and northern Finland, and were led by General C. G. E. Mannerheim.

In the years before the conflict, Finland had experienced rapid population growth, industrialisation, urbanisation and the rise of a comprehensive labour movement. The country's political and governmental systems were in an unstable phase of democratisation and modernisation. The socio-economic condition and education of the population had gradually improved, and national awareness and culture had progressed. World War I led to the collapse of the Russian Empire, causing a power vacuum in Finland, and the subsequent struggle for dominance led to militarisation and an escalating crisis between the left-leaning labour movement and the conservatives. The Reds carried out an unsuccessful general offensive in February 1918, supplied with weapons by Soviet Russia. A counteroffensive by the Whites began in March, reinforced by the German Empire's military detachments in April. The decisive engagements were the Battles of Tampere and Viipuri, won by the Whites, and the Battles of Helsinki and Lahti, won by German troops, leading to overall victory for the Whites and the German forces. Political violence became a part of this warfare. Around 12,500 Red prisoners died of malnutrition and disease in camps. About 39,000 people, of whom 36,000 were Finns, died in the conflict. (Full article...)

Selected image -

Photo credit: Petteri Sulonen
The VR warehouses in Helsinki on fire on May 5th 2006.

Did you know (auto-generated)

• ... that Theodolinda Hahnsson is the first known Finnish-language female author?
• ... that Finnish linguist Eeva Leinonen was one of four women to be inaugurated as heads of Irish universities in 2021, the others being Maggie Cusack, Linda Doyle and Kerstin Mey?
• ... that the Finnish 7th Division was formed in 1940 by renumbering another unit to make it appear to the Soviets that it had been replaced with fresh troops?
• ... that Sodankylä Old Church is one of the oldest preserved wooden churches in Finland?
• ... that the United States severed diplomatic ties with Finland in 1944 because of a personal letter sent to Hitler?
• ... that Charlotte Haining was an International Jury Member for the selection of Finland's 2020 Eurovision Song Contest entry?

WikiProjects

You are invited to participate in Finland WikiProject, a WikiProject dedicated to developing and improving articles about Finland.

More did you know -

• ...the Finnish Air Force selected the Saab 91 Safir as its primary trainer aircraft over the domestic Valmet Tuuli III?
• ...that the Kaleva, a Finnish passenger plane carrying diplomatic post, was shot down by Soviet bombers in an act of aggression?
• ...that the majority of Assyrians in Finland live in Oulu, the sixth largest city in the country?
• ...that Finland was close to becoming an independent kingdom in 1742?
• ...that the Saint Petersburg–Hiitola railroad was completed by 1917, but a year later the Finnish Civil War caused traffic to stop, with a mile of track removed?

Good article -

This is a Good article, an article that meets a core set of high editorial standards.

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Razorblade Romance is the second studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM, recorded with producer John Fryer. HIM initially began recording the album with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, who had helmed the group's 1997 debut album, however these sessions proved unsuccessful, and HIM parted ways with Hiilesmaa, and recruited Fryer. The band, along with Fryer, relocated to Rockfield Studios in Wales to begin recording, and released the album on 24 January 2000. Musically, the album featured a sleeker production and a more melodic sound compared to their debut. The album's lead single "Join Me in Death" would prove to be HIM's breakthrough single, reaching number one in Finland and Germany. The song also found its way on to the soundtrack of the 1999 science fiction film The Thirteenth Floor.

Razorblade Romance received mostly positive reviews from critics, with particular praise being given to the songwriting, while the more polished production received some criticism. The album also charted in six countries, peaking at number one in Finland, Germany and Austria, later going double platinum, triple gold, and gold respectively. Razorblade Romance would also go on to chart in the United States in January 2004, making it the band's first album to chart in the US. HIM also won "Album of the Year" at the 2000 Emma Awards, as well as were awarded at the 2004 IFPI Platinum Europe Awards. Three further singles were released from the album, two of which reached number one in Finland. Razorblade Romance was followed by an intensive supporting tour, which nearly resulted in the band breaking up. The album was also HIM's first to feature drummer Mika "Gas Lipstick" Karppinen, and the only to feature keyboardist Jussi-Mikko "Juska" Salminen. (Full article...)

General images

The following are images from various Finland-related articles on Wikipedia.

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  People gathered in the Senate Square for a demonstration against the February Manifesto in March 1899. (from History of Finland)
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  Women dressed in Finnish folk costumes (from Culture of Finland)
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  Jussipaita (transl. Jussi sweater); a traditional sweater from the Finnish region of Southern Ostrobothnia (from Culture of Finland)
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  Wehrmacht soldiers with a local Sámi reindeer herder, Lappland, Sodankylä, Finland 1942 (from History of Finland)
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  Midsummer bonfire (kokko) in Mäntsälä (from Culture of Finland)
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  The area of Finland in the years 1920–1940. The 1935 county and municipality division on the map. (from History of Finland)
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  The Finno-Soviet Treaty (from History of Finland)
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  The Swedish empire at its largest. Most of present-day Finland was part of Sweden proper, rike, shown in dark green. (from History of Finland)
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  President K. J. Ståhlberg in his office in 1919 (from History of Finland)
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  Helsinki Accords Treaty (from History of Finland)
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  Janne Ahonen is considered one of the best and most successful currently active ski jumpers. (from Culture of Finland)
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  Kreeta Haapasalo Playing the Kantele in a Peasant Cottage (1868), by Robert Wilhelm Ekman (from History of Finland)
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  Prehistoric red ochre painted rock art of moose, human figures, and boats in Astuvansalmi, Finland, from ca. 3800–2200 BC (from Culture of Finland)
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  Badge of the Finnish White/Civil Guard (from History of Finland)
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  Ancylus Lake covered major part of Finland (7,500–6,000 BC) (from History of Finland)
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  Finnish folk dancers in a 1907 postcard sent from Mustamäki, Finland (from Culture of Finland)
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  Stone Age stone axe engraved with human face found from Kiuruvesi. (from History of Finland)
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  Linus Torvalds, a famous Fennoswede software engineer, best known for initiating the development of the Linux kernel (from Culture of Finland)
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  A triptych by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, depicting the Aino Story of Kalevala on three panes (from Culture of Finland)
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  Three Finnish Romani women in Helsinki, Finland, in 1930s (from Culture of Finland)
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  Grand Duchy of Finland, 75 kopek assignat (1824) (from History of Finland)
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  Painting of Lalli killing Henry. Painting by C. A. Ekman. (from History of Finland)
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  The Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957), a significant figure in the history of classical music (from Culture of Finland)
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  Pieces of the Antrea Net (8,300 BC), the oldest-known fishing net in the world. (from History of Finland)
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  Pekka Halonen's painting "against persecutors" from 1896 depicts the warfare of the ancient Finns. (from History of Finland)
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  President Urho Kekkonen's funeral procession in 1986 (from History of Finland)
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  In 2011 figure skater Kiira Korpi was ranked 4th in the world. (from Culture of Finland)
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  Jean Sibelius at work in his study (from History of Finland)
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  A summer cottage (mökki) on a lake island (from Culture of Finland)
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  Stone Age dwelling named Kierikki 5000–3000 BC (from History of Finland)
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  Apocalyptica's Perttu Kivilaakso playing metal music live (from Culture of Finland)
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  A group of Finnish soldiers operating a Bofors gun during the Continuation War in 1943 (from History of Finland)
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  Identification document and tag of a Finnish war child (from History of Finland)
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  The first government of independent Finland. P. E. Svinhufvud, the first Prime Minister of Finland, sitting at the head of the table. (from History of Finland)
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  Finland Ostrobothnia regiment uniforms in 1705 (from History of Finland)
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  Marshal of Finland Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim visit in Germany, 1942 (from History of Finland)
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  Finnish Guards' Rifle Battalion, 1850s (from History of Finland)
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  A smoke sauna (savusauna) in Enonkoski (from Culture of Finland)
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  Kalmar Union in 1400s (from History of Finland)
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  A view of Pohjoisesplanadi in the center of Helsinki in 1891 (from History of Finland)
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  (1809 Diet of Porvoo) The sovereign's pledge, printed in Finnish (from History of Finland)
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  Captain Aarne Juutilainen at the front at Kollaa during the Winter War (from History of Finland)
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  In the middle is the patron saint of Finland, Saint Henry, on the right side of him is Bishop Konrad Bitz and on the left is Dean Magnus Stjernkors; from Missale Aboense (1488) (from History of Finland)
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  A reconstruction of a 12th-century Perniö costume (from History of Finland)
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  Kastelli Giant's Church in Pattijoki by Pöljä culture (from History of Finland)
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  Mikael Agricola hands over the Finnish Translation of the New Testament to King Gustav Wasa. (from History of Finland)
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  2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Räikkönen celebrating victory at the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix (from Culture of Finland)
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  S/S Urania in Hanko harbor in 1893, with 509 emigrants on board on their way to America (from History of Finland)
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  The part of Finland controlled by the Reds at its largest in February–March 1918 (from History of Finland)
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  Karjalanpiirakka, a traditional Finnish pastry (from Culture of Finland)
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  The area controlled by Finland at its largest, in 1942 (from History of Finland)
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  The ruins of Vammala burned by the Reds, during the Civil war (from History of Finland)
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  Eero Järnefelt, Burning the Brushwood, 1893 (from History of Finland)
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  Winter War Monument in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, Finland (from History of Finland)
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  A peasant girl and a woman in traditional dress from Ruokolahti, eastern Finland, as depicted by Severin Falkman in 1882 (from Culture of Finland)
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  Memorial of the Mannerheim Cross Knights of Parikkala, Finland (from History of Finland)
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  Battle of Valkeala was part of the Russo-Swedish War (1788–1790). (from History of Finland)
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  Erkki Karu, one of the pioneers of the Finnish cinema, with cinematographer Eino Kari in 1927 (from Culture of Finland)
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  Women in sauna with Vihtas
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  Alvar Aalto, Viipuri Library (1927–35) (from Culture of Finland)
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  Students on Helsinki's Esplanadi wearing their caps on Vappu (from Culture of Finland)
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  Homann's map of the Scandinavian Peninsula and Fennoscandia with their surrounding territories: northern Germany, northern Poland, the Baltic region, Livonia, Belarus, and parts of Northwest Russia. Johann Baptist Homann (1664–1724) was a German geographer and cartographer; map dated around 1730. (from History of Finland)
• 
  Lapua Movement supporters beating the "red officer" Eino Nieminen in front of the Vaasa courthouse during the 4 June 1930 riot. (from History of Finland)
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  This 1825 map of the Grand Duchy of Finland is from a larger work, geographical atlas of the Russian Empire. (from History of Finland)
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  The decision of the Soviet of the People's Comissars' to recognise Finnish independence, signed by Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, Grigory Petrovsky, Joseph Stalin, Isaac Steinberg, Vladimir Karelin, and Alexander Schlichter (from History of Finland)
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  An old drawing of the city of Turku in the 18th century (from History of Finland)
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  Northern Europe in 814 (from History of Finland)
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  In the sauna, by Pekka Halonen, 1925 (from Culture of Finland)
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  Map of Finnish areas ceded to the Soviet Union in 1944, after the Continuation War (from History of Finland)
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  Imagery collage of Birger Jarl conquering Häme and the construction of Häme Castle (from History of Finland)
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  Sámi / Laplander family in traditional costumes from Finland. (from Culture of Finland)
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  Signing the Helsinki Accords are the West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, East Germany's leader Erich Honecker, US president Gerald Ford and the Austrian chancellor Bruno Kreisky (from History of Finland)
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  Paavo Nurmi at the 1920 Summer Olympics (from Culture of Finland)
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  Battle of Gangut (Hanko) was part of the Great Northern War during 1700–1721. (from History of Finland)
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  Turku Cathedral and its surroundings from 1814 (from History of Finland)
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  Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki (from Culture of Finland)

In the news

22 May 2024 – Russia–NATO relations

The Russian Ministry of Defence proposes to unilaterally adjust Russia's maritime border in the Baltic Sea, prompting comments of concern made by Baltic members of NATO, including Finland and Lithuania. The Ministry of Defense later retracts the proposal. (Reuters) (BBC News)

2 April 2024 – Viertola school shooting

A student is killed and two others are injured in a shooting at a school in Vantaa, Uusimaa, Finland. A 12-year-old student is detained. (AP) (Yle)

1 March 2024 – 2024 Finnish presidential election

Alexander Stubb is sworn in as the 13th President of Finland. (Reuters)

11 February 2024 – 2024 Finnish presidential election

Alexander Stubb is elected President of Finland with 51.6% of the vote.(Yle)

27 January 2024 – Israel–Hamas war

The United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany suspend humanitarian aid to UNRWA over allegations that some UNRWA staff members were involved in the Hamas-led attack on Israel. (BBC News) (CBS News)

14 December 2023 – Finland–United States relations

Finland announces the creation of a defense cooperation agreement with the United States. The agreement will grant Finland access to American military resources for use in defensive operations, while the US will gain military access to Finland in the event of conflict. (Reuters)

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Northern Europe

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Selected panorama -

View of Jyväskylä

Panoramic photo shot of Jyväskylä, Finland

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