aatelinen

Aatelinen refers to a member of the nobility in Finland. The term is derived from the Swedish word "adel", which means nobility. In Finland, the nobility is a hereditary class that has held significant political and social influence throughout history. The Finnish nobility is divided into several branches, including the House of Finland, the House of Russia, and the House of Sweden, reflecting Finland's historical ties to these countries.

The Finnish nobility is governed by the Finnish Nobility Act, which was enacted in 1919. This act defines the rights and responsibilities of nobles, including the right to use the title "aatelinen" and the obligation to contribute to the upkeep of the nobility's estate, which is managed by the Finnish Nobility Foundation. The nobility's estate is used to support various charitable and cultural initiatives.

The Finnish nobility is a small and exclusive group, with only around 1,500 living members. Despite their small numbers, nobles have played a significant role in Finnish history and culture, serving in various political and military positions. Today, the nobility continues to maintain its traditions and heritage, while also engaging in modern activities such as business and philanthropy. The Finnish nobility is an important part of the country's cultural heritage and continues to be a source of pride for many Finns.