#116 in world Europe UN member

Finland

Helsinki Europe Northern Europe

Finland is a highly developed Northern European nation known for its expansive forests, advanced technology, and high standard of social welfare. Current estimates show the country has a population of approximately 5.7 million and a GDP per capita of approximately $53,600.

Where is Finland?

Finland

Continent
Europe
Country
Finland
Coordinates
64.00°, 26.00°

Population Details

Population
5.7M
Area
338,455 km²
Density per km²
17 / km²
Growth rate
+0.64%
Annual growth
+36.6K people
Daily growth
+100.22 people
World population share
0.07%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 4.4M Latest 5.7M

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Finland

Age Distribution

0-14 years 833K
15-64 years 3.5M
65+ years 1.4M

Urbanization

74.3% Urban
4.2M
Urban 4.2M
Rural 1.5M

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth +11%
82.3 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate -47%
1.25 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Infant Mortality Rate -90%
1.9 per 1,000 live births
World avg: 18.6 per 1,000 live births
Internet Users +29%
93.7 % of population
World avg: 72.5 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Helsinki
Region
Europe
Area
338,455 km²
Languages
Finnish, Swedish
Currency
euro (€)
Timezones
UTC+02:00
UN Member
Yes

Neighboring Countries

Economy

The Finnish economy is a highly industrialized, mixed system driven by electronics, machinery, and a world-class forestry sector. Recent data indicates a total GDP of approximately $299 billion and an annual growth rate of 0.4%, placing the nation 47th globally and 19th in Europe. While it maintains a strong social security system, the country currently manages an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which ranks 40th globally for having the lowest unemployment among 186 nations. The latest ranking for GDP per capita places Finland 29th globally and 18th in Europe.

Society

With a life expectancy at birth of 82.3 years, Finland ranks 30th globally, reflecting its commitment to public health and universal healthcare. The nation is a pioneer in digital inclusion, with 93.7% of the population using the internet, a figure that ranks 40th in the world. Despite high education standards and a literacy rate that is among the highest in the OECD, the country faces demographic shifts due to a low fertility rate of 1.25 births per woman. Recent estimates place Finland at a population rank of 116 globally and 23rd in Europe.

Climate & Environment

Finland experiences a cold temperate climate characterized by severe, snowy winters and relatively short, mild summers. Its geographical landscape features a rugged coastline of 1,250 km (777 mi) and over 100,000 lakes scattered across northern taiga forests. Temperatures in the northern Lapland region can frequently drop to -30 °C (-22 °F) during the darkest winter months.

Government & Politics

Government Type
parliamentary republic
Independence
1917-12-06 (Soviet Russia)

Finland is a parliamentary republic characterized by a unicameral legislature known as the Eduskunta, consisting of 200 members. The political system emphasizes a multi-party structure, often requiring coalition governments to ensure stability. While the President of the Republic serves as the head of state and leads foreign policy outside of European Union affairs, the Prime Minister acts as the head of government and exercises executive power. This structure provides a high degree of transparency and consistently ranks Finland among the least corrupt nations globally. Administrative divisions rely heavily on local governance, with municipalities exercising significant autonomy over education, healthcare, and local infrastructure. Following its independence from Soviet Russia in 1917, Finland has maintained a resilient democratic tradition. Recent geopolitical shifts led the nation to join NATO, reflecting a strategic evolution in its long-standing policy of military non-alignment while maintaining its status as a dedicated member of the United Nations.

History

Finland's history was defined for centuries by its position between major powers. From the 12th century until 1809, the territory was a central part of the Swedish Kingdom, which influenced its legal and social structures. Following the Finnish War, the region became an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire. This autonomy allowed for the development of a distinct national identity, culminating in the declaration of independence on 6 December 1917 during the collapse of the Russian Empire. The early years of independence were marked by a brief but bitter civil war in 1918. During World War II, Finland fought two major conflicts against the Soviet Union—the Winter War and the Continuation War—to preserve its sovereignty. Although it ceded territory, the nation remained independent. In the post-war era, Finland successfully navigated a policy of neutrality while rapidly transforming from an agrarian society into a high-tech industrial leader. The country joined the European Union in 1995 and adopted the euro as its currency. Modern development has focused on the Nordic welfare model, providing extensive social services and high-quality education, contributing to a life expectancy of 82.34 years and an urban population of 74.26%.

Notable Facts

  • Finland is often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, featuring approximately 188000 lakes across a total area of 338455 km² (130678 sq mi).
  • The country is home to the indigenous Sami people, who comprise 0.1% of the population and maintain their distinct culture and languages in the northern Lapland region.
  • Finland's highest peak is Halti, reaching 1328 m (4357 ft) near the border with Norway, while its lowest point is the Baltic Sea at 0 m (0 ft).
  • Sauna culture is integral to Finnish life, with an estimated 3 million saunas serving a population of approximately 5.6 million people.
  • The nation has one of the world's highest rates of internet connectivity, with 93.72% of the population accessing the web according to recent estimates.

Geography

Highest Point
Halti (1,328 m)
Lowest Point
Baltic Sea (0 m)
Coastline
1,250 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Finland

Monthly averages for Helsinki

January
Poor
Temp
0°C / -5°C
Feels Like
-5°C / -10°C
Rain
15days (72 mm) Wet
Sun
1.5h Poor
Humidity
90% Very Muggy
Snow Days
16days
February
Poor
Temp
-1°C / -5°C
Feels Like
-5°C / -10°C
Rain
10days (54 mm) Wet
Sun
3.7h Poor
Humidity
87% Very Muggy
Snow Days
12days
March
Poor
Temp
3°C / -3°C
Feels Like
-1°C / -7°C
Rain
9days (40 mm) Wet
Sun
7.3h Good
Humidity
81% Humid
Snow Days
10days
April
Poor
Temp
8°C / 1°C
Feels Like
4°C / -4°C
Rain
9days (47 mm) Wet
Sun
10.7h Excellent
Humidity
71% Muggy
Snow Days
6days
May
Fair
Temp
14°C / 6°C
Feels Like
12°C / 3°C
Rain
9days (47 mm) Wet
Sun
13.7h Excellent
Humidity
65% Muggy
June best
Good
Temp
21°C / 12°C
Feels Like
19°C / 11°C
Rain
10days (61 mm) Wet
Sun
15h Excellent
Humidity
68% Muggy
July best
Good
Temp
22°C / 14°C
Feels Like
21°C / 14°C
Rain
15days (97 mm) Wet
Sun
14.3h Excellent
Humidity
75% Muggy
August best
Excellent
Temp
20°C / 13°C
Feels Like
20°C / 12°C
Rain
14days (88 mm) Wet
Sun
11.5h Excellent
Humidity
80% Humid
September best
Good
Temp
16°C / 10°C
Feels Like
14°C / 8°C
Rain
10days (64 mm) Wet
Sun
8.4h Good
Humidity
84% Humid
October
Poor
Temp
10°C / 5°C
Feels Like
7°C / 2°C
Rain
13days (66 mm) Wet
Sun
5h Fair
Humidity
87% Very Muggy
Snow Days
1days
November
Poor
Temp
5°C / 1°C
Feels Like
1°C / -3°C
Rain
13days (60 mm) Wet
Sun
1.9h Poor
Humidity
91% Very Muggy
Snow Days
6days
December
Poor
Temp
0°C / -4°C
Feels Like
-4°C / -8°C
Rain
13days (58 mm) Wet
Sun
1h Poor
Humidity
90% Very Muggy
Snow Days
14days
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January 0°C / -5°C -5°C / -10°C 15days (72 mm) Wet 1.5h Poor 90% Very Muggy Poor View Details
February -1°C / -5°C -5°C / -10°C 10days (54 mm) Wet 3.7h Poor 87% Very Muggy Poor View Details
March 3°C / -3°C -1°C / -7°C 9days (40 mm) Wet 7.3h Good 81% Humid Poor View Details
April 8°C / 1°C 4°C / -4°C 9days (47 mm) Wet 10.7h Excellent 71% Muggy Poor View Details
May 14°C / 6°C 12°C / 3°C 9days (47 mm) Wet 13.7h Excellent 65% Muggy Fair View Details
June best 21°C / 12°C 19°C / 11°C 10days (61 mm) Wet 15h Excellent 68% Muggy Good View Details
July best 22°C / 14°C 21°C / 14°C 15days (97 mm) Wet 14.3h Excellent 75% Muggy Good View Details
August best 20°C / 13°C 20°C / 12°C 14days (88 mm) Wet 11.5h Excellent 80% Humid Excellent View Details
September best 16°C / 10°C 14°C / 8°C 10days (64 mm) Wet 8.4h Good 84% Humid Good View Details
October 10°C / 5°C 7°C / 2°C 13days (66 mm) Wet 5h Fair 87% Very Muggy Poor View Details
November 5°C / 1°C 1°C / -3°C 13days (60 mm) Wet 1.9h Poor 91% Very Muggy Poor View Details
December 0°C / -4°C -4°C / -8°C 13days (58 mm) Wet 1h Poor 90% Very Muggy Poor View Details

Temperature

30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C 0°C -6°C -12°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 0°C / -5°C . Feb: -1°C / -5°C . Mar: 3°C / -3°C . Apr: 8°C / 1°C . May: 14°C / 6°C . Jun: 21°C / 12°C . Jul: 22°C / 14°C . Aug: 20°C / 13°C . Sep: 16°C / 10°C . Oct: 10°C / 5°C . Nov: 5°C / 1°C . Dec: 0°C / -4°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 18 mm 36 mm 54 mm 72 mm 90 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 72 mm. Feb: 54 mm. Mar: 40 mm. Apr: 47 mm. May: 47 mm. Jun: 61 mm. Jul: 97 mm. Aug: 88 mm. Sep: 64 mm. Oct: 66 mm. Nov: 60 mm. Dec: 58 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Finland is approximately 5.7M (2024).

The capital of Finland is Helsinki.

Finland's GDP per capita is $53.6K (2024).

Life expectancy in Finland is 82.34 years (2024).

Finland covers 338,455 km² (130,678 sq mi).

Finland is sparsely populated, averaging 17 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Finland's population is growing steadily at 0.6% per year, in line with global averages.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Finland falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $53.6K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Finland reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 1.0 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

Finland has 2 official languages: Finnish, Swedish.

Finland uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Finland are June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show that the population of Finland is approximately 5.7 million people. This reflects a modest annual growth rate of 0.6% and places the country at a rank of 116 globally for total population size. Regionally, it holds the 23rd position among 47 European nations and is the 4th most populous in Northern Europe.

Finland is a high-income nation with a projected GDP per capita of approximately $53,600. The country's total GDP stands at approximately $299 billion, which places it at a rank of 47 globally and 19 in Europe. According to the latest ranking, its GDP per capita is the 29th highest in the world.

Approximately 93.7% of the Finnish population are internet users, making it one of the most digitally connected nations in the world. This high rate of connectivity ranks Finland 40th globally. The widespread access to high-speed internet supports the country's advanced technology sector and highly efficient digital public services.

The latest available data shows that the unemployment rate in Finland is 9.5%. According to global rankings for the lowest unemployment rates, Finland holds the 40th position among 186 nations. Despite a highly skilled workforce, the labor market faces ongoing shifts in the industrial and technology sectors as the economy adapts to modern digital trends.

Finland covers a total area of 338,455 km² (130,678 sq mi) with a current population density of 18.7 people per km² (48.4 sq mi). This makes it one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. Most residents live in urban areas, which currently account for 74.3% of the total population, primarily in the south.

The latest ranking places Finland at global rank 116 of 215 countries for total population. According to official data, it stands at 23 of 47 in the European region and 4 of 12 in Northern Europe. These rankings reflect Finland's status as a moderately sized nation with a stable population base.

Current estimates show a population density of 18.7 people per km² (48.4 per sq mi), ranking Finland 188 of 215 globally. This low density is primarily due to the vast, uninhabited forest and lake regions in the north. Most of the country's residents are concentrated in southern urban coastal areas.

Recent data indicates a fertility rate of 1.25 births per woman, which is global rank 190 of 215. This is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 required for a stable population without migration. The low birth rate is a major demographic focus for the Finnish government and long-term planning.

The urban population percentage is 74.3%, which places Finland at global rank 75 of 215. This high level of urbanization is centered around major hubs like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. The concentration of residents in cities reflects the nation's advanced service economy and the rural-to-urban migration seen historically.

All Indicators

Explore Finland's data across 50+ indicators

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