suomalaisten

Suomalaiset, or Finns, are the people of Finland, encompassing those who identify with Finnish ethnicity and those who hold Finnish citizenship. The majority live in Finland, whose population is about 5.5 million. Ethnically Finnish groups form the largest portion of the population, while Swedish-speaking Finns constitute a recognized linguistic minority. The Sámi, an indigenous people with distinct languages and traditions, inhabit the northern regions of Finland and are acknowledged within Finnish society.

The Finnish language belongs to the Finnic branch of the Uralic language family. Finnish is the predominant language used in daily life, while Swedish is an official language and is spoken by a minority, mainly along the coast. Finland is officially bilingual, with language policies supporting both Finnish and Swedish. In addition, many Finns speak other languages, reflecting immigration and international ties.

Finnish identity has been shaped by historical development, education, and social welfare institutions. Finnish culture is known for its design and architecture, literature, music, and a strong tradition of outdoor life and connection to nature. The country is characterized by high levels of education, social welfare, and a robust contemporary arts scene.

Beyond Finland, people of Finnish descent form diasporas in Sweden, the United States, Canada, Russia, and other countries. These communities maintain connections to Finnish language and cultural traditions while integrating into their host societies. Citizenship, ethnicity, and place of residence together describe the diverse ways the term suomalaiset is understood.