itsenäisyyttä

Itsenäisyys is Finnish for independence, the state of being self-governing and free from external control. The term can refer to political independence of a nation, as well as personal or economic independence and self-sufficiency.

The word is formed from itsenäinen (independent) with the abstract noun suffix -syys, creating itsenäisyys, the state or quality of being independent. It is widely used in political discourse, social policy, and everyday language to describe autonomy.

In the Finnish historical context, independence is most closely associated with Finland’s separation from the Russian Empire in 1917. The Grand Duchy of Finland had been an autonomous part of Russia since 1809; independence was proclaimed on December 6, 1917, and Finland was internationally recognized in the following years. The early period also included the Finnish Civil War in 1918 and the subsequent establishment of a stable republican state.

Beyond national sovereignty, independence also covers personal or economic dimensions, such as individual autonomy, economic self-sufficiency, and freedom of choice, which are common topics in social policy and philosophy.

In Finland, itsenäisyyspäivä, or Independence Day, is observed on December 6 as a national celebration commemorating the declaration and the country’s sovereignty. Other nations mark their independence on different dates through various national days or remembrance events.