Country Profile: Finland

Finland, located in Northern Europe, is bordered by the Baltic Sea and encompasses a mix of rolling plains, lakes, and forests. The country has a population of approximately 5.6 million and is known for its high-income, export-driven economy, which includes significant industries such as timber, engineering, and telecommunications. Finland operates as a parliamentary republic, with a commitment to a welfare state that emphasizes education and equality. The country has gained international attention for its proactive stance on security, especially following its recent accession to NATO.

Geography

Finland is situated in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia, with an extensive coastline along the Baltic Sea. It spans a total area of 338,145 square kilometers, characterized by vast forests and numerous lakes. The terrain is mostly flat to rolling plains, with the highest point being Halti at 1,328 meters. The climate is predominantly cold temperate, moderated by the North Atlantic Current and Baltic Sea.

338,145 sq km - Total area (2024)
1,250 km - Length of coastline (2024)
60,000+ - Number of lakes contributing to a mild climate

People and Society

Finland's population is approximately 5.6 million, with a majority concentrated in the southern regions. The society is predominantly Finnish, with a small percentage of Swedish, Russian, and other ethnic groups. Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, and the country is known for its high levels of education and public welfare. The median age of the population is around 43 years, reflecting an aging demographic.

5.6 million - Total population (2024)
85.8% - Percentage of urban population (2023)
82.2 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024)

Economy

Finland has a high-income, export-oriented economy with a significant focus on industries such as metals, timber, and electronics. The real GDP is estimated at approximately $313.6 billion for 2024, although the country faces challenges related to inflation and a downturn in consumer demand. The labor force stands at around 2.9 million, with an unemployment rate projected at 8.3% for 2024.

$313.6 billion - Real GDP (2024 est.)
8.3% - Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
2.5% - GDP contribution from agriculture (2024 est.)

Government

Finland is a parliamentary republic with a well-defined legal framework and a commitment to democratic governance. The current president, Alexander Stubb, was elected in 2024, and the political landscape includes multiple parties representing diverse interests. The country has an extensive network of administrative divisions, with 19 regions.

6 December 1917 - Date of independence from Russia
200 - Total seats in Parliament (Eduskunta)
45.5% - Percentage of women in Parliament (2023)

Military and Security

The Finnish Defense Forces focus on territorial defense, bolstered by a system of conscription for males. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland joined NATO in April 2023, marking a significant shift in its defense posture. Current military expenditures account for about 2.4% of GDP.

31,000 - Active personnel in the military (2024 est.)
2.4% - Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
280,000 - Wartime strength due to reservists

Energy

Finland has achieved 100% electrification and relies on a diverse mix for electricity generation, including nuclear and renewable sources. The country is actively pursuing sustainable energy practices and has increased its capacity for wind and solar generation.

100% - Electrification of the population (2022)
26.78 million kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
41.8% - Share of nuclear in electricity production (2023)

Environment

Finland is characterized by low air pollution levels but faces challenges including water pollution from agricultural and industrial sources. The country places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and has numerous environmental agreements in place to protect its natural resources.

73.7% - Percentage of forested land (2022 est.)
28.1% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2015 est.)
5.47 µg/m³ - Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)

Transportation

Finland has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including a network of roads, railways, and ports. The country is home to 98 airports and boasts a merchant marine that facilitates trade through numerous ports.

98 - Number of airports (2025)
5,918 km - Total railway length (2020)
37 - Total number of ports (2024)

Communications

Finland has a high level of internet connectivity, with 94% of the population estimated to be internet users. The telecommunications infrastructure includes a mix of fixed-line and mobile services, contributing to an advanced digital economy.

7.14 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
1.98 million - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
158,000 - Fixed line telephone subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Total Population	5,626,414	Estimate for 2024
Total Area	338,145 sq km	Total land and water area
Real GDP	$313.6 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	8.3%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	82.2 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	10.2 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption Per Capita	183.54 million Btu	Estimated for 2023
Military Expenditure	2.4% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
% of Urban Population	85.8%	As of 2023
% of Forested Land	73.7%	As of 2022