Finlandincluding

Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east, and Estonia to the south across the Gulf of Finland. The capital and largest city is Helsinki. Finland is known for its vast forests, numerous lakes, and relatively flat terrain. It has a population of approximately 5.5 million people, with the majority residing in the southern parts of the country. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. Finland's economy is highly industrialized, with major sectors including technology, forestry, and manufacturing. It is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone.

The history of Finland involves periods of Swedish and Russian rule before gaining independence in 1917. The country experienced significant development in the post-World War II era, becoming a welfare state. Finland is often ranked highly in global surveys for quality of life, education, and societal well-being. Its education system is particularly renowned for its effectiveness and equity. The natural environment plays a significant role in Finnish culture, with outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and sauna being popular pastimes. The country experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Finland is also famous for its Midnight Sun in the summer and the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the winter.