Finland country profile
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff
Introduction: Finland, a country with a population that belies its global impact, has consistently set trends and achieved remarkable milestones since gaining independence in 1917. Renowned for its stability, freedom, public safety, and social progress, Finland has become a beacon of success on the international stage.
REPUBLIC OF FINLAND: FACTS
- Capital: Helsinki
- Area: 338,455 sq km
- Population: 5.6 million
- Languages: Finnish, Swedish plus Sami, Karelian, Finnish Kalo
- Life expectancy: 79 years (men) and 84 years (women)
Historical Overview: Finland declared independence from Russia in 1917, marking the beginning of its journey as a sovereign nation. However, following World War II and a defeat by the Soviet Union, Finland had to endure substantial influence from Moscow until the end of the Cold War. A watershed moment in Finnish foreign policy occurred in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, prompting Finland to shift gears and seek membership in NATO.
Political Landscape:
Leaders:
President Sauli Niinistö
- President: The outgoing President Sauli Niinistö, credited with steering Finland’s economic growth during his tenure as finance minister, has completed his maximum two terms.
Pekka Haavisto and Alexander Stubb
Presidential Elections: The recent presidential elections, held in January 2024, saw conservative former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb and ex-Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto qualifying for the second round. With Niinistö unable to seek re-election, Finland awaits a new leader.
Petteri Orpo
Prime Minister: Petteri Orpo, leader of the conservative National Coalition Party, emerged victorious in the closely contested April 2023 elections. Orpo’s coalition government prioritizes economic reforms and embraces Finland’s NATO membership.
Media Landscape: TV reigns supreme as the most popular medium in Finland, with public broadcaster Yle coexisting alongside commercial networks. The country boasts a high rating for media freedom, endorsed by international press freedom organizations.
Finland’s Vibrant Media Landscape: A Tapestry of Diversity and Freedom
Finland, renowned for its dynamic and thriving broadcasting sector, epitomizes a media landscape that reflects diversity, freedom, and a robust commitment to journalistic integrity. As we delve into the various facets of Finland’s media, a mosaic of public and private entities emerges, contributing to a rich tapestry that mirrors the nation’s values and openness.
Public Broadcasting Dominance: Yle’s Annual Tax Funding At the forefront of Finland’s broadcasting realm is Yle, the public broadcaster funded by an annual tax. This unique funding model empowers Yle to deliver content that serves the public interest, free from commercial pressures. Yle operates in tandem with privately owned radio and TV networks, creating a balance between public service and market-driven content.
TV Reigns Supreme: Yle’s Flagship TV1 and Commercial Networks Television stands as the most favored medium in Finland, with Yle’s flagship channel TV1 reigning as the most-watched. Alongside Yle, commercial networks MTV3 and Nelonen command substantial viewership, contributing to a vibrant and competitive TV landscape.
Press Readership: A Finnish Pinnacle in the EU Finland proudly holds the title of the leading EU country in press readership. An impressive 58% of Finns report reading a press title daily, showcasing a nation that values staying informed. Private ownership of newspapers ensures a diverse range of views, with Helsingin Sanomat emerging as the most-read paper, offering a snapshot of Finnish perspectives.
Global Recognition: Finland’s Media Freedom Ranking In the realm of media freedom, Finland has earned global recognition. The 2019 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) global media freedom index positioned Finland in second place, just behind Norway. This ranking underscores Finland’s unwavering commitment to journalistic independence and the protection of free speech.
Internet Penetration and Freedom: An Open Cyberspace The digital landscape in Finland is equally impressive, with 94% of the population, or 5.4 million users, embracing the internet by December 2021 (Internetworldstats.com). Freedom House highlights Finland’s internet as “open and unrestricted,” reflecting a commitment to digital freedom and accessibility.
In summary, Finland’s media ecosystem stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to diversity, freedom of expression, and journalistic excellence. Whether through traditional broadcasting channels, press readership, or the expansive digital frontier, Finland continues to set a global standard for a media landscape that is both dynamic and free.
Press
- Helsingin Sanomat – national daily
- Ilta-Sanomat – national daily
- Iltalehti – national daily
- Hufvudstadsbladet – Swedish-language daily
- Kauppalehti – business daily
- Helsinki Times – English-language
Television
- Yleisradio Oy (Yle) – public, web pages in English
- MTV3 – private
- Nelonen (Channel 4) – private
Radio
- Yleisradio Oy (Yle) – public
- Radio Nova – national, private
- Radio Suomipop – private
News agency
- Finnish News Agency – Suomen Tietotoimisto (STT) – in Finnish, Swedish and English
Key Events in Finland’s History:
- 12th-13th Centuries: Crusades by Danes and Swedes to subjugate Finns and convert them to Christianity.
- 13th Century Onwards: Finland comes under Swedish rule.
- 1700-21: Great Northern War sees Russian troops occupy Finland, leading to ceding of Finnish territory to Russia.
- 1809: Finland ceded to Russia, becoming an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire.
- 1899 Onwards: Russification attempts face resistance, leading to a campaign of civil disobedience.
- 1917: Finnish independence declared following the Russian Revolution.
Recent Developments:
- 2022: Finland and Sweden apply for NATO membership in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- 2023: Finland becomes a NATO member, signaling a significant shift in its foreign policy.
Finland becomes a NATO member, signaling a significant shift in its foreign policy.
Conclusion: Finland’s journey, marked by resilience and progress, positions it as a leading nation on the world stage. From groundbreaking achievements in gender equality to navigating geopolitical challenges, Finland continues to shape its destiny while remaining true to its values of stability, freedom, and social progress. As it enters a new era with evolving leadership and international affiliations, Finland stands poised to contribute further to global advancements.