finlandssvenskar

Finlandssvenskar refers to the Swedish-speaking population of Finland. They constitute a linguistic minority, with Swedish being one of Finland's official languages. The number of Finlandssvenskar is approximately 290,000, representing about 5.2% of the total population. They are concentrated primarily in coastal areas of southern and western Finland, particularly in the autonomous province of Åland, where Swedish is the sole official language.

The Finlandssvenskar have a distinct cultural identity, shaped by their Swedish heritage and their life in Finland. They maintain their own media, schools, and cultural organizations. Swedish-language education is guaranteed by the Finnish constitution, and both Swedish and Finnish are used in public administration. Despite the presence of a Swedish-speaking minority, Finland has a strong national identity that encompasses both linguistic groups.

The relationship between Finlandssvenskar and the majority Finnish-speaking population is generally peaceful and characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. Historical factors, including periods of Swedish rule and Finnish independence, have influenced the development of this minority group. Their presence is a significant aspect of Finland's linguistic and cultural landscape, contributing to its unique multilingual character.