Finns

Finns are the people associated with Finland, primarily the ethnic Finns who form the country’s largest population and hold Finnish citizenship. The population also includes Swedish-speaking Finns and the Sámi, an Indigenous people of the north. Finnish is the majority language; Swedish is a co-official language, and Sámi languages are recognized in the north. Finland supports minority language rights and cultural autonomy through legislation and institutions such as the Sámi Parliament.

Finnish identity has roots in the Finno-Ugric linguistic group. The area now known as Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden for several centuries, then an autonomous Grand Duchy under Russia from 1809 until independence in 1917. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and adopted the euro in 2002. It is a constitutional republic with a strong welfare state and a high standard of living, renowned for education, social cohesion, and political stability.

Finnish culture emphasizes education, design, and social equality. Sisu, a notion of resilience, and sauna culture are notable features. Finland has produced influential composers, architects, and writers and is known for contemporary design and technology sectors. The country supports a broad outdoor culture, with extensive boreal forests, lakes, and a long coastline contributing to recreation and tourism.

As of the early 21st century, Finland has a population around 5.5 million. Immigration has diversified its society, and Finnish communities exist abroad in Sweden, North America, and elsewhere. Within Finland, Swedish-speaking Finns and Sámi are recognized minorities with particular rights and institutions to preserve their languages and cultures.