Country Profile: Finland

Finland, a parliamentary republic situated in Northern Europe, is bordered by the Baltic Sea and shares land borders with Sweden and Russia. The country has a population of approximately 5.5 million people, with a majority living in the southern regions. Finland boasts a high-income, export-oriented economy, known for its diverse industries including timber, metals, and electronics. The welfare state emphasizes quality education and social equity, facing challenges related to an aging demographic and economic fluctuations. Following its NATO membership in April 2023, Finland continues to enhance its security and international cooperation.

Geography

Finland is located in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and neighboring Sweden and Russia. The country covers an area of 338,145 sq km, featuring a landscape characterized by flat plains, forests covering 74.2% of the land, and over 60,000 lakes. The climate ranges from cold temperate to potentially subarctic, influenced by the North Atlantic Current and the Baltic Sea.

2,563 km of land borders, mainly with Russia (1,309 km).
Highest point: Halti at 1,328 m; lowest point: Baltic Sea (0 m).
1,250 km of coastline along the Baltic Sea.

People and Society

Finland has an estimated population of 5,550,449 people as of 2025, with a median age of 44 years. The society is composed mainly of ethnic Finns (90.9%), with official languages being Finnish (85.9%) and Swedish (5.2%). The country is characterized by high urbanization, with 85.8% of the population living in urban areas, particularly in the capital city of Helsinki.

Birth rate: 7.75 births/1,000 population (2025).
Life expectancy: 82.2 years (2024).
Literacy rate is nearly universal.

Economy

Finland has a high-income economy that relies heavily on exports, particularly in timber, metals, and electronics. The GDP is projected to be $313.591 billion in 2024, with a per capita GDP of $55,600. However, the economy shows signs of struggle due to inflation and weakened consumer demand, reflecting a real GDP growth rate of -0.2%.

62.9% of GDP from services, 22.1% from industry, and 2.5% from agriculture (2024).
Unemployment rate: 8.3% (2024).
Major imports include crude petroleum and cars; major exports feature paper and refined petroleum.

Government

The Republic of Finland operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature known as the Eduskunta, comprising 200 members. The President, currently Alexander Stubb, serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, heads the government. The Finnish legal system is based on civil law, reflecting its historical ties to Sweden.

Citizens have the right to vote at 18 years of age.
Finland gained independence from Russia on 6 December 1917.

Military and Security

Finland's military, known as the Finnish Defense Forces, focuses on territorial defense and consists of approximately 31,000 active personnel. The military budget is around 2.8% of GDP for 2025. Following geopolitical tensions, Finland has strengthened its defense by joining NATO as its 31st member in April 2023.

Conscription is compulsory for males at 18, lasting 5.5 to 12 months.
The Finnish military’s reserve strength is approximately 280,000 trained reservists.

Energy

Finland enjoys a high electrification rate, with 100% of the population having access to electricity. The country's energy mix is diverse, with 41.8% of its electricity generated from nuclear power, complemented by hydroelectricity and wind sources.

Total electricity consumption: 77.419 billion kWh (2023).
Installed generating capacity: 26.782 million kW (2023).
Total energy consumption per capita is 183.54 million Btu (2023).

Environment

Finland is committed to maintaining a clean environment, with limited air pollution and ongoing efforts to address water pollution issues. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, covering areas from climate change to biodiversity.

74.2% of the land is covered by forests, and urban areas accounted for 85.8% of the population (2023).
3.124 million tons of solid waste generated annually, with 35.4% recycled (2022).

Transportation

Finland boasts a well-developed transportation network, including 98 airports and extensive rail systems, contributing to effective domestic and international travel.

Total railway length: 5,918 km (2020), with 3,349 km electrified.
282 ships in the merchant marine fleet (2023).

Communications

Finland has a robust communication infrastructure, highlighted by a high internet usage rate of 94% of the population. The country has several radio and television stations, supporting a variety of broadcast media.

Total mobile subscriptions: 7.07 million (2024).
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 1.98 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,550,449 (2025 est.)
Area	338,145 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$313.591 billion (2024)
Unemployment Rate	8.3% (2024)
Life Expectancy	82.2 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	7.75 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	183.54 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Total Electricity Consumption	77.419 billion kWh	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.8% of GDP (2025 est.)
Urban Population	85.8% of total population	(2023)