Background Notes: Finland
PA/PC
Source: Office of Public Communication, Bureau of Public
Affairs
Date: Aug 15, 19908/15/90
Category: Country Data
Region: Europe
Country: Finland
Subject: Travel, History, International Organizations,
Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Official Name: Republic of Finland
PROFILE
Geography
Area: 337,113 sq. km. (130,160 sq. mi.); about the size of New
England, New Jersey, and New York combined.
Cities: Capital-Helsinki (pop. 484,399). Other cities-Tampere
(167,335), Turku (163,655).
Terrain: Low but hilly, more than 70% forested, with more than
60,000 lakes.
Climate: Cool; mean annual temperature in Helsinki (1977-86) +5 C
(41 F); July +17 C (63 F); January -6 C (21 F).
People
Nationality: Noun-Finn(s). Adjective-Finnish.
Population (1989): 4,971,844.
Annual growth rate (1989): 0.4%.
Ethnic groups: Finns, Swedes, Lapps, Gypsies, Tartars.
Religions (1987): Lutheran 88.7%, Orthodox 1.1%.
Languages: Finnish 93.6%, Swedish 6%.
Education: Years compulsory-9. Attendance-almost 100%. Literacy-
almost 100%.
Health (1989): Infant mortality rate-6/1,000. Life expectancy-
males 71 yrs., females 79 yrs.
Work force (1989, 2,559,000): Agriculture-8.7%. Industry,
commerce, and finance-53.3%. Services (public and personal)-24.7%.
Government-5.4%. Transport (storage and communication)-7.1%.
Government
Type: Constitutional republic.
Constitution: July 17, 1919. Independence: December 6, 1917.
Branches: Executive-president (chief of state), prime minister (head
of government), Council of State (cabinet). Legislative-Unicameral
parliament. Judicial-Supreme Court, regional appellate courts,
local courts.
Subdivisions: 12 provinces, provincial self-rule for the Aland
Islands.
Political parties: Four largest, in order: Social Democratic Party
(SDP), National Coalition (Conservative) Party, Center Party, Leftist
Alliance.
Central government budget (1989): $28.91 billion.
Defense (1989): 1.4% of GDP.
Flag: Light blue cross on a white field.
Economy
GDP (1989): $114.9 billion. Annual growth rate: 5% (GDP). Per
capita income (1989 est.): $23,153. Inflation rate (1989): 6.6%.
Natural resources: Forests, minerals (copper, zinc, iron), farmland.
Agriculture (3% of GDP): Products-meat (pork and beef), grain
(wheat, rye, barley, oats), dairy products, potatoes, rapeseed.
Industry (27% of GDP): Types-metal and steel, forest, foodstuffs,
textile and clothing.
Trade (1989): Exports-$23.2 billion: paper and paperboard,
machinery and equipment, ships, lumber, woodpulp, chemicals.
Major markets-USSR 14.5%, Sweden 14.4%, UK 12%, FRG 10%, US
6.4%. Imports-$24.6 billion: fuels and lubricants, machinery and
equipment, including motor vehicles, basic manufactures,
chemicals; foodstuffs. Major suppliers-FRG 17.3%, Sweden 13.6%,
USSR 11.4%, US 6.3%.
Official exchange rate (1989): 4.295 Finnmarks=US$1.
Fiscal year: Calendar year.
Membership in International Organizations
UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, including the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD),
International Monetary Fund (IMF), General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (GATT), International Finance Corporation (IFC), International
Development Association (IDA); Bank for International Settlements
(BIS); Asian Development Bank; Inter-American Development Bank
(IDB); Council of Europe; Nordic Council; European Free Trade
Association (EFTA); European Community (EC)-free trade agreement;
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD);
INTELSAT.
PEOPLE
The origins of the Finnish people are still a matter of
conjecture, although most scholars agree that their original home
was in what is now west-central Siberia. The Finns arrived in their
present territory thousands of years ago, pushing the indigenous
Lapps into the more remote northern regions.
The Finnish language is Finno-Ugric, of the Uralic language
family (of which Hungarian and Estonian also are a part) and not
Indo-European. Lappish, the language of the small Lapp minority,
also is Finno-Ugric.
Swedish became the dominant language following Finland's
incorporation into Sweden in the 12th century. Finnish recovered its
predominance after a resurgence of Finnish nationalism in the 19th
century. Today, although 94% of the people speak Finnish as a first
language, both Finnish and Swedish are official languages.
The population is ethnically homogeneous with no sizable
immigrant population. Few tensions exist between the Finnish-
speaking majority and the Swedish-speaking minority.
Finns are highly literate, and poetry has played a key role in
Finnish history. Publication in 1835 of the Finnish national epic,
The Kalevala, a collection of traditional myths and legends, first
stirred the nationalism that led to independence in 1917.
An important theme in Finnish literature is humanity's unity
with nature, which identifies human fate with impersonal forces
and which gives Finnish literature a somber, sometimes tragic,
sometimes heroic, tone. Another theme is the importance of the
common people-the Finnish folk. One of the country's major writers,
Frans Emil Sillanpaa, received the Nobel Prize for literature in
1939.
Finland is one of the most active publishing countries in the
world. Although major literary works have been translated into
English, Finnish music, because it does not require translation, is
better known. This is especially true of the works of Jean Sibelius
who, along with many other Finnish artists, was profoundly
influenced by The Kalevala.
Finns also are outstanding in other artistic fields; their
jewelry, textile, glass, and furniture designs have gained
prominence throughout the world.
Finland enjoys complete religious freedom as well as free
education through the university level. An extensive social welfare
system, constituting about one-fifth of the national income,
includes a variety of pension and assistance programs and a
comprehensive health insurance program.
In the mid-1970s, the educational system was reformed with
the goal of equalizing educational opportunities. Beginning at age 7,
all Finnish children are required to attend a "basic school" of nine
grade levels. After this, they may elect to continue along an
academic (lukio) or vocational (ammattikoulu) line. However, most
pursue vocational studies. About one child in four receives a higher
education in this highly competitive system. The number of
openings in higher educational institutions is less than the demand.
HISTORY Finland's nearly 700-year association with the Kingdom of
Sweden began in 1154 with the introduction of Christianity by
Sweden's King Eric. During the ensuing centuries, Finland played an
important role in the political life of the Swedish-Finnish realm,
and Finnish soldiers often predominated in Swedish armies. Finns
also formed a significant proportion of the first "Swedish" settlers
in 17th-century America.
In 1809, Finland was conquered by the armies of Czar
Alexander I and thereafter remained an autonomous grand duchy
connected with the Russian Empire until the end of 1917. On
December 6, 1917, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia,
Finland declared its independence. In 1918, Finland experienced a
brief but bitter civil war that colored domestic politics for many
years.
During World War II, Finland fought the Soviet Union twice-in
the Winter War of 1939-40 and again in the Continuation War of
1941-44. This was followed by the Lapland War from 1944-45
when Finland fought against the Germans as they withdrew their
forces from northern Finland.
The Treaty of Peace, signed at Paris on February 10, 1947,
limited the size of Finland's defense forces and provided for the
cession to the Soviet Union of the Petsamo area on the Arctic coast,
the Karelian Isthmus in southeastern Finland, and other territory
along the former eastern border. Another provision, terminated in
1956, leased the Porkkala area near Helsinki to the USSR. for use as
a naval base and gave free access to this area across Finnish
territory. The peace treaty also called for Finland to pay to the
Soviet Union reparations of 300 million gold dollars (amounting to
an estimated $570 million in 1952, the year the payments ended).
The United States was not a signatory to the treaty because it had
not been at war with Finland.
GOVERNMENT
Under the Finnish constitution, political power is divided between
the Eduskunta (parliament) and the president of the republic, with
the highest executive power vested in the president.
Elected for a 6-year term, the president:
-- Handles foreign policy, except for certain international
agreements and decisions of peace or war, which must be submitted
to parliament;
-- Is commander in chief of the armed forces and has wide
decree and appointive powers;
-- May initiate legislation, block legislation by pocket veto,
and call extraordinary parliamentary sessions; and
-- Appoints the cabinet.
The Council of State is made up of the prime minister and
ministers for the various departments of the central government as
well as an ex-officio member, the Chancellor of Justice. Ministers
are not obliged to be members of the Eduskunta and need not be
formally identified with any political party.
Constitutionally, the 200-member, unicameral Eduskunta is
the supreme authority in Finland. It may alter the constitution,
bring about the resignation of the Council of State, and override
presidential vetoes; its acts are not subject to judicial review.
Legislation may be initiated by the president, the Council of State,
or one of the Eduskunta members.
The Eduskunta is elected on the basis of proportional
representation. All persons 18 or older, except military personnel
on active duty and a few high judicial officials, are eligible for
election. The regular parliamentary term is 4 years; however, the
president may dissolve the Eduskunta and order new elections at
any time.
The judicial system is divided between courts with regular
civil and criminal jurisdiction and special courts with
responsibility for litigation between the public and the
administrative organs of the state. Finnish law is codified. Although
there is no writ of habeas corpus or bail, the maximum period of
pre-trial detention was recently reduced to 4 days. The Finnish
court system consists of local courts, regional appellate courts,
and a supreme court.
Finland's 12 provinces are divided into cities, townships, and
communes administered by municipal and communal councils
elected by proportional representation once every 4 years. The 11
mainland provinces are administered by provincial boards composed
of civil servants and each headed by a presidentially appointed
governor. The boards are responsible to the Ministry of the Interior
and play a supervisory and coordinating role within the provinces.
The island province of Aaland is located near the 60th parallel
between Sweden and Finland. It enjoys local autonomy by virtue of
an international convention of 1921, implemented most recently by
the Act on Aaland Self-Government of 1951. The islands are further
distinguished by the fact that they are entirely Swedish speaking.
Government is vested in the provincial council, which consists of
30 delegates elected directly by Aaland's citizens.
Principal Government Officials
President-Mauno Koivisto
Prime Minister- Harri Holkeri
Foreign Minister-Pertti Paasio
Ambassador to the United States-Jukka Valtasaari
Ambassador to the United Nations-Klaus Tornudd
Finland maintains an embassy in the United States at 3216
New Mexico Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (tel. 202-363-
2430).
POLITICAL CONDITIONS
Finland's proportional representation system encourages a
multitude of political parties and has resulted in many coalition
governments.
Political activity by communists was legalized in 1944.
Although four major parties have dominated the postwar political
arena, none has a majority position. The largest is the Social
Democratic Party (SDP), which commands the support of nearly 25%
of the electorate, mainly among the urban working class but also
with some support among small farmers, white-collar workers, and
professionals. The SDP's rival on the left is the Leftist Alliance,
formed in May 1990, which replaces the People's Democratic League
(SKDL), the parliamentary group in the Eduskunta that represented
the Finnish Communist Party. The SKDL's parliamentary
effectiveness and potential participation in government were
impaired, however, by the deep split in the Communist Party
between its "moderate" majority and "hardline" minority.
The two other major parties are the Center Party, traditionally
representing rural interests, and the Conservative Party, which
draws its major support from the business community and urban
professionals.
In the February 1988 election, President Koivisto won a new
6-year term. Parliamentary elections in March 1987 led to the
formation of a "red-blue" coalition government that includes both
the SDP and the National Coalition (Conservative) Party.
ECONOMY
Finland has a dynamic industrial economy based on abundant
forest resources, capital investments, and technology. In the 1980s,
Finland's economic growth rate was one of the highest of
industrialized countries. Exports contribute more than 20% of the
gross domestic product (GDP); combined exports of goods and
services amount to about 25% of GDP. Exports and imports of goods
total about 40% of GDP. Timber and steel are the main industries,
but other industries produce manufactured goods ranging from
electronics to motor vehicles. Finnish-designed consumer products
such as textiles, porcelain, and glassware are world famous.
Finland is self-sufficient in dairy products and meats, as well
as in grains in good harvest years, but it imports large amounts of
fruits and vegetables. Farms tend to be small, but sizable timber
stands are harvested for supplementary income in winter.
Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on
imported raw materials, energy, and some components for its
manufactured products. Traditionally, Finland is a net importer of
capital to finance industrial growth.
Finland imported 70% of its energy in 1989. Oil imports met
31% of Finnish requirements while nuclear power provided 15%,
coal 11%, and natural gas 6%. Domestic energy sources include
hydroelectric power, peat, and wood products.
DEFENSE
Finland's active duty defense forces are limited by the 1947
Treaty of Peace to 41,900 troops (army 34,400, navy 4,500, air
force 3,000). The country has military conscription under which all
young men serve from 8 to 11 months. A reserve force of about
700,000 ensures readiness as one means of deterring involvement
in war. The basic tenet of Finnish security policy is that, while
foreign policy is important, the nation's ability to defend itself is a
prerequisite for a successful policy of neutrality.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Finland's basic foreign policy goal since 1944 has been to
avoid great-power conflicts and to build mutual confidence with the
Soviet Union. Although the country is culturally, socially, and
politically Western, Finns realize they must live in peace with the
USSR and take no action that might be interpreted as a security
threat.
The principal architect of the post-1944 foreign policy was
J.K. Paasikivi, who was president from 1946 to 1956. Urho
Kekkonen, president from 1956 until 1981, further developed this
policy, stressing that Finland should be an active rather than a
passive neutral. This policy is now popularly known as the
"Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line."
In April 1948, Finland signed an Agreement of Friendship,
Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with the Soviet Union, under
which Finland is obligated (with the aid of the Soviet Union, if
necessary) to resist armed attacks by Germany or its allies against
Finland, or against the USSR through Finland. At the same time, the
agreement recognizes Finland's desire to remain outside great-
power conflicts. This agreement was renewed for 20 years in 1955,
again in 1970, and most recently in 1983 to the year 2003.
Finland joined the United Nations and the Nordic Council in
1955, is a full member of the European Free Trade Association, and
in 1973 signed a free trade agreement with the European
Community. It also has entered into free trade agreements with
Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and the German
Democratic Republic; a 15-year economic cooperation agreement
with the Soviet Union, last extended in 1980; and a cooperation
agreement with the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance.
Finland also emphasizes cooperation with the other
Scandinavian countries and has been a member of the Nordic Council
since 1955. Under the council's auspices, the Nordic countries have
created a common labor market and have abolished immigration
controls among themselves. The council also serves to coordinate
social and cultural policies of the participating countries and has
promoted increased cooperation in many fields.
In recent years, Finland has emphasized its participation in
international organizations. In proportion to its population, Finland
is well represented in the UN civil service. Finnish troops have
participated in UN peacekeeping activities since 1956 and Finns
now serve with UN forces in the Middle East and with the UN good
offices mission in Afghanistan.
Finland has hosted major international meetings such as the
first and final stages of the Conference on Security and Cooperation
in Europe (CSCE). The summit-level CSCE meeting in July and August
1975 brought 35 heads of state from Europe and North America to
Helsinki for a conference unique in diplomatic history. Finland also
hosted a 10th anniversary CSCE commemorative meeting in the
summer of 1985 and will host the next CSCE review meeting in
1992.
US-FINNISH RELATIONS
Relations between Finland and the United States are cordial. It
has been longstanding US policy to support Finnish neutrality while
maintaining and reinforcing Finland's historic, cultural, and
economic ties with the West. Economic and trade relations between
Finland and the United States are active. President Reagan
proclaimed 1988 the Year of US-Finnish Friendship.
The US educational exchange program in Finland, comparatively
large for a West European country of Finland's size, is financed in
part from a trust fund established in 1976 from Finland's final
repayment of a US loan made in the aftermath of World War I.
Principal US Officials
Ambassador-John Giffen Weinmann
Deputy Chief of Mission-Max N. Robinson
Public Affairs Officer-William P. Kiehl
Chief, Political Section-William Kushlis
Chief, Administrative Section-William J. Burke, Jr.
Defense and Air Attache-William A.J. Mackie
Chief, Economic Section-Lawrence E. Butler
Commercial Attache-Donald G. Plants (Acting)
Consul-Robert O. Tatge
The US Embassy in Finland is at Itainen Puistotie 14 B,
Helsinki 14 (tel. 171931). The public affairs section is located at
Kaivokatu 10 A, Helsinki 10 (tel. 176599).
TRAVEL NOTES
Climate and clothing: Helsinki's winter climate is similar to
Boston's; summer temperatures rarely exceed +24 C (75 F). Northern
and parts of interior southern Finland sometimes experience Arctic
conditions in mid-winter. Buildings are well-heated. Bring warm
outdoor clothing during late autumn, winter, and early spring.
Sweaters and raincoats are recommended for other seasons.
Health: Public health standards are similar to those in the
United States. Tapwater is potable. Medical facilities are good.
Telecommunications: Telephone and telegraph services are
efficient and available to most parts of Finland and the world.
Helsinki is seven time zones ahead of eastern standard time.
Transportation: Bus and taxi service is available in most cities
as well as tram and subway service in Helsinki. At least one US
carrier provides US-Finland flights 5 days a week. Finnair flies to
New York daily and offers flights to Los Angeles several days a
week. Flights to many European cities depart Helsinki daily.
Finland's domestic air network is one of the best in Europe. The
country also has efficient rail and long-distance bus service. Roads
are well maintained; nearly all major highways ,and most important
secondary roads are paved.
Tourist attractions: With many islands and lakes, evergreen
forests, and granite outcroppings, Finland's countryside is striking.
Many tourists enjoy cruises on stately historic steamers that travel
on Finland's biggest lake, Saimaa. Lapland, with its flora and
reindeer, also is popular.
Available from the Superintendent of Documents, US
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402: American
University. Area Handbook for Finland. 1974. US Department of
Commerce. "Finland." Foreign Economic Trends and Their
Implications for the United States. International Marketing
Information Series: Published annually.
Published by the United States Department of State -- Bureau of
Public Affairs -- Office of Public Communication -- Editorial
Division -- Washington, DC -- August 1990 -- Editor: Juanita
Adams Department of State Publication 8262 -- Background Notes
Series -- This material is in the public domain and may be
reprinted without permission; citation of this source is
appreciated. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, US
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.(###)