Ulkomaat

Ulkomaat is a Finnish noun meaning foreign countries or the abroad. It refers to places outside Finland or, more generally, to the concept of foreign lands. The term is typically used in the plural to denote foreign countries collectively, while the singular form is rare in ordinary speech.

In practice, ulkomaat appears in contexts related to travel, migration, and international affairs. For example, matkustaa ulkomaille means to travel abroad, and moni suomalainen asuu ulkomailla means many Finns live abroad. The word also figures in news and government discourse when discussing relations with other countries or with international organizations. Adverbial forms such as ulkomaille (to abroad) and ulkomailla (in foreign countries) accompany the noun in sentences.

Etymology and related terms: Ulkomaat is formed from ulko- 'outside' and maa 'land, country'. It is contrasted with kotimaa (one’s homeland). Related expressions include ulkomaanmatka (an international trip) and ulkomailla (in foreign countries).

Usage notes: Ulkomaat refers to more than one country; when speaking about a single foreign country, speakers typically specify the country by name or use phrases like vieras maa. The term is common in everyday language as well as in media, education, and public discourse about international matters.