Finland

[Michiko]

Also home of great [rally] [drivers] and people who can drink pretty much anyone [under the table].

[Little_Girl]

a country in northern Europe

[Gonzalesalix 0]

republic in northern Europe; achieved independence from Russia in 1917

[DennisSt]

Finland, officially known as the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east, and Estonia to the south across the Gulf of Finland. Finland is known for its high standard of education, efficient healthcare system, thriving economy, and unique natural landscapes including thousands of lakes and islands. It is also famous for its saunas, Moomin characters, and being the home of Santa Claus, in Lapland. Finland operates on a democratic, parliamentary system and its capital and largest city is Helsinki.

[juan98]

A Russian grand duchy; in the middle of the 12th century was conquered by the Swedes, who introduced Christianity. It was several times conquered by the Russians (1714, 1742, and 1808), and restored (1721 and 1743); but in 1809 they retained it by treaty.

[Marionaduant]

a grand-duchy forming the NW. corner of Russia; was ceded by the Swedes in 1809, but still retains an independent administration. The coast-line is deeply indented, and fringed with small islands; the interior, chiefly elevated plateau, consists largely of forest land, and is well furnished with lakes, many of which are united by canals, one 36 m. connecting Lake Saima with the Gulf of Finland. Various cereals (barley, oats, c.) are grown, and there is a varied and valuable fauna; fishing is an extensive industry, and no less than 80 kinds of fish are found in the rivers, lakes, and coast waters. The country is divided into eight counties, and is governed by a Senate and Diet, the reigning Russian emperor holding rank as grand-duke; education is highly advanced; Swedish and Finnish are the two languages of the country, Russian being practically unknown. There is an excellent Saga literature, and the beginnings of a modern literature. The Finns came under the dominion of the Swedes in the 12th and 13th centuries, and were by them Christianised.

[MichaellaHaw]

One of the Nordic countries having borders with Sweden, Norway and Russia. Member state of the European Union since 1995. Official name: Republic of Finland (Suomen tasavalta in Finnish, Republiken Finland in Swedish).

[JustiniaNex]

Properly Fenland, the land of lakes and marshes. The native name of the country is Suomesimaa, the watered land of the Suomes.