The minimum you need to know

Finland is nearly the northernmost European Union member. The thinly populated peace-loving Scandinavian coastal country borders Norway, Sweden and Russia near the north pole.

Finland was historically part of Sweden until it separated during a conflict to join Russia at the start of the 1800s. The country became independent of Russia in the early 1900s, when Finland sided with the the United States and Europe until today, including through the second global conflict - when the United States, Europe and Russia were aligned against Germany. Finland became a democracy around that time but only joined the European Union at the end of the century. Finland withheld initial agreement to participate in NATO. But the government acquiesced in 2023, and remains a loyal member of the alliance today.

Scandinavian countries have a modern culture of pacifism and peace. They also champion minority rights.

The President of Finland eloquently recommitted Finland to peaceful foreign relations at the 79th Session of the United Nations.

Like the other Scandinavian countries, Finland enjoys twenty-hours of daylight in midsummer, and the same amount of darkness around midwinter. The winter carpets cities and harbors with snow and ice. Midsummer is a time of joyous warmth, sunlight and celebration.

Finland seeks improving foreign relations globally.