Finland, a Nordic country in Northern Europe, shares borders with Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east. The Gulf of Bothnia lies between Finland and Sweden to the west, while the Gulf of Finland, part of the Baltic Sea, separates it from Estonia to the south. Here open in Google Maps.
Finland’s geography is diverse, featuring thousands of lakes, rivers, and vast forests. It’s renowned for its natural beauty, including the Finnish Lakeland, the Archipelago Sea, and the Northern Lights visible in the Arctic Circle. The country has historically been influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures, having been part of the Swedish Kingdom for centuries before becoming a Grand Duchy under Russian rule in the 19th century. Finland declared independence from Russia in 1917.
With a land area of 338,485 square kilometers (130,689 square miles) and an estimated population of 5.625 million in 2024, Finland’s capital and largest city, Helsinki, is located on the southern coast. The country is known for its pristine forests, numerous lakes, and its high quality of life, including a world-class education system and advanced technology. Finland also has a rich cultural heritage, including its famous saunas and distinctive design and architecture. A member of both the European Union and the Eurozone, Finland had a GDP per capita of $34,230 in 2022.
Bordering Sweden to the west, part of Finland’s western boundary follows the Tornio River, with the Gulf of Bothnia separating the two countries further south. Norway forms Finland’s northern border, where the rugged terrain of the Scandinavian mountain range makes the area sparsely populated and remote. To the east, Finland shares a long, historically significant border with Russia, stretching over 1,300 kilometers, marked by forests and open plains. The southern border, along the Gulf of Finland, provides Finland with access to the Baltic Sea and connects it to Estonia and other Baltic countries. Helsinki, located on the southern coast, serves as a key hub for trade and travel.
