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Finland vs. Sweden

Introduction

FinlandSweden
BackgroundFinland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. It gained complete independence in 1917. During World War II, Finland successfully defended its independence through cooperation with Germany and resisted subsequent invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, Finland transformed from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the EU since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro single currency at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, the key features of Finland's modern welfare state are high quality education, promotion of equality, and a national social welfare system - currently challenged by an aging population and the fluctuations of an export-driven economy.

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Since then, Sweden has pursued a successful economic formula consisting of a capitalist system intermixed with substantial welfare elements. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum. The share of Sweden's population born abroad increased from 11.3% in 2000 to 19.1% in 2018.

 

Geography

FinlandSweden
LocationNorthern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and RussiaNorthern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway
Geographic coordinates64 00 N, 26 00 E62 00 N, 15 00 E
Map referencesEuropeEurope
Areatotal: 338,145 sq km

land: 303,815 sq km

water: 34,330 sq km
total: 450,295 sq km

land: 410,335 sq km

water: 39,960 sq km
Area - comparativeslightly more than two times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Montanaalmost three times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than California
Land boundariestotal: 2,563 km

border countries (3): Norway 709 km, Sweden 545 km, Russia 1309 km
total: 2,211 km

border countries (2): Finland 545 km, Norway 1666 km
Coastline1,250 km3,218 km
Maritime claimsterritorial sea: 12 nm (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 nm)

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm; extends to continental shelf boundary with Sweden, Estonia, and Russia
territorial sea: 12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion of straits to high seas)

exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climatecold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakestemperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north
Terrainmostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hillsmostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west
Elevation extremeshighest point: Halti (alternatively Haltia, Haltitunturi, Haltiatunturi) 1,328 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 164 m
highest point: Kebnekaise South 2,100 m

lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m

mean elevation: 320 m
Natural resourcestimber, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, nickel, gold, silver, limestoneiron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower
Land useagricultural land: 7.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 7.4% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0.1% (2018 est.)

forest: 72.9% (2018 est.)

other: 19.6% (2018 est.)
agricultural land: 7.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 6.4% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 1.1% (2018 est.)

forest: 68.7% (2018 est.)

other: 23.8% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land690 sq km (2012)1,640 sq km (2012)
Natural hazardssevere winters in the northice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic
Environment - current issueslimited air pollution in urban centers; some water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

marine pollution (Baltic Sea and North Sea); acid rain damage to soils and lakes; air pollution; inappropriate timber harvesting practices

Environment - international agreementsparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - notelong boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plainstrategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas; Sweden has almost 100,000 lakes, the largest of which, Vanern, is the third largest in Europe
Total renewable water resources110 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)174 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)
Population distributionthe vast majority of people are found in the south; the northern interior areas remain sparsely poplulatedmost Swedes live in the south where the climate is milder and there is better connectivity to mainland Europe; population clusters are found all along the Baltic coast in the east; the interior areas of the north remain sparsely populated

Demographics

FinlandSweden
Population5,587,442 (July 2021 est.)10,261,767 (July 2021 est.)
Age structure0-14 years: 16.41% (male 467,220/female 447,005)

15-24 years: 10.95% (male 312,179/female 297,717)

25-54 years: 37.37% (male 1,064,326/female 1,017,545)

55-64 years: 13.02% (male 357,687/female 367,610)

65 years and over: 22.26% (male 543,331/female 697,045) (2020 est.)
0-14 years: 17.71% (male 928,413/female 878,028)

15-24 years: 10.8% (male 569,082/female 532,492)

25-54 years: 39.01% (male 2,016,991/female 1,962,617)

55-64 years: 11.9% (male 610,521/female 603,795)

65 years and over: 20.59% (male 974,410/female 1,126,142) (2020 est.)
Median agetotal: 42.8 years

male: 41.3 years

female: 44.4 years (2020 est.)
total: 41.1 years

male: 40.1 years

female: 42.1 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate0.26% (2021 est.)0.74% (2021 est.)
Birth rate10.49 births/1,000 population (2021 est.)11.93 births/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Death rate10.33 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)9.39 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Net migration rate2.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)4.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sex ratioat birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
Infant mortality ratetotal: 2.15 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 2.33 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 1.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)
total: 2.45 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 2.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)
Life expectancy at birthtotal population: 81.55 years

male: 78.63 years

female: 84.6 years (2021 est.)
total population: 82.6 years

male: 80.61 years

female: 84.7 years (2021 est.)
Total fertility rate1.74 children born/woman (2021 est.)1.86 children born/woman (2021 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate0.1% (2018)0.2% (2016 est.)
Nationalitynoun: Finn(s)

adjective: Finnish
noun: Swede(s)

adjective: Swedish
Ethnic groupsFinn, Swede, Russian, Estonian, Romani, Sami

Swedish 80.3%, Syrian 1.9%, Iraqi 1.4%, Finnish 1.4%, other 15%

(2020 est.)

note: data represent the population by country of birth; the indigenous Sami people are estimated to number between 20,000 and 40,000

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS4,000 (2018)11,000 (2016 est.)
ReligionsLutheran 67.8%, Greek Orthodox 1.1%, other 1.7%, unspecified 29.4% (2020 est.)Church of Sweden (Lutheran) 57.6%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 8.9%, none or unspecified 33.5% (2019 est.)

note: estimates reflect registered members of faith communities eligible for state funding (not all religions are state-funded and not all people who identify with a particular religion are registered members) and the Church of Sweden
HIV/AIDS - deaths<100 (2018)NA
LanguagesFinnish (official) 86.9%, Swedish (official) 5.2%, Russian 1.5%, other 6.4% (2020 est.)

major-language sample(s):
World Factbook, korvaamaton perustietolähde. (Finnish)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Swedish (official)

major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, den obestridliga källan för grundläggande information. (Swedish)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

note: Finnish, Sami, Romani, Yiddish, and Meankieli are official minority languages
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)total: 19 years

male: 20 years

female: 20 years (2018)
total: 20 years

male: 19 years

female: 21 years (2018)
Education expenditures6.4% of GDP (2017)7.6% of GDP (2017)
Urbanizationurban population: 85.6% of total population (2021)

rate of urbanization: 0.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
urban population: 88.2% of total population (2021)

rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water sourceimproved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2017 est.)
improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2017 est.)
Sanitation facility accessimproved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2017 est.)
improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2017 est.)
Major cities - population1.317 million HELSINKI (capital) (2021)1.657 million STOCKHOLM (capital) (2021)
Maternal mortality rate3 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)4 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Health expenditures9% (2018)10.9% (2018)
Physicians density3.81 physicians/1,000 population (2016)3.98 physicians/1,000 population (2016)
Hospital bed density3.3 beds/1,000 population (2017)2.2 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate22.2% (2016)20.6% (2016)
Mother's mean age at first birth29.4 years (2019 est.)29.5 years (2019 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate85.5% (2015)

note: percent of women aged 18-49
70.3% (2017)

note: percent of women aged 16-49
Dependency ratiostotal dependency ratio: 62.4

youth dependency ratio: 25.8

elderly dependency ratio: 36.6

potential support ratio: 2.7 (2020 est.)
total dependency ratio: 61.2

youth dependency ratio: 28.4

elderly dependency ratio: 32.8

potential support ratio: 3.1 (2020 est.)

Government

FinlandSweden
Country nameconventional long form: Republic of Finland

conventional short form: Finland

local long form: Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland

local short form: Suomi/Finland

etymology: name may derive from the ancient Fenni peoples who are first described as living in northeastern Europe in the first centuries A.D.
conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden

conventional short form: Sweden

local long form: Konungariket Sverige

local short form: Sverige

etymology: name ultimately derives from the North Germanic Svear tribe, which inhabited central Sweden and is first mentioned in the first centuries A.D.
Government typeparliamentary republicparliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capitalname: Helsinki

geographic coordinates: 60 10 N, 24 56 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: the name may derive from the Swedish "helsing," an archaic name for "neck" ("hals"), and which may refer to a narrowing of the Vantaa River that flows into the Gulf of Finland at Helsinki; "fors" refers to "rapids," so "helsing fors" meaning becomes "the narrows' rapids"
name: Stockholm

geographic coordinates: 59 20 N, 18 03 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: "stock" and "holm" literally mean "log" and "islet" in Swedish, but there is no consensus as to what the words refer to
Administrative divisions19 regions (maakunnat, singular - maakunta (Finnish); landskapen, singular - landskapet (Swedish)); Aland (Swedish), Ahvenanmaa (Finnish); Etela-Karjala (Finnish), Sodra Karelen (Swedish) [South Karelia]; Etela-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Sodra Osterbotten (Swedish) [South Ostrobothnia]; Etela-Savo (Finnish), Sodra Savolax (Swedish) [South Savo]; Kanta-Hame (Finnish), Egentliga Tavastland (Swedish); Kainuu (Finnish), Kajanaland (Swedish); Keski-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Mellersta Osterbotten (Swedish) [Central Ostrobothnia]; Keski-Suomi (Finnish), Mellersta Finland (Swedish) [Central Finland]; Kymenlaakso (Finnish), Kymmenedalen (Swedish); Lappi (Finnish), Lappland (Swedish); Paijat-Hame (Finnish), Paijanne-Tavastland (Swedish); Pirkanmaa (Finnish), Birkaland (Swedish) [Tampere]; Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Osterbotten (Swedish) [Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Karjala (Finnish), Norra Karelen (Swedish) [North Karelia]; Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Norra Osterbotten (Swedish) [North Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Savo (Finnish), Norra Savolax (Swedish) [North Savo]; Satakunta (Finnish and Swedish); Uusimaa (Finnish), Nyland (Swedish) [Newland]; Varsinais-Suomi (Finnish), Egentliga Finland (Swedish) [Southwest Finland]21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna, Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm, Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra Gotaland
Independence6 December 1917 (from Russia)6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king of Sweden, marking the abolishment of the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden)
National holidayIndependence Day, 6 December (1917)National Day, 6 June (1983); note - from 1916 to 1982 this date was celebrated as Swedish Flag Day
Constitutionhistory: previous 1906, 1919; latest drafted 17 June 1997, approved by Parliament 11 June 1999, entered into force 1 March 2000

amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage normally requires simple majority vote in two readings in the first parliamentary session and at least two-thirds majority vote in a single reading by the newly elected Parliament; proposals declared "urgent" by five-sixths of Parliament members can be passed by at least two-thirds majority vote in the first parliamentary session only; amended several times, last in 2018
history: Sweden has four fundamental laws which together make up the Constitution: The Instrument of Government (several previous; latest 1974); The Act of Succession (enacted 1810; changed in 1937 and 1980); The Freedom of the Press Act (many previous; latest in 1949); The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression (adopted 1991)

amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires simple majority vote in two consecutive parliamentary terms with an intervening general election; passage also requires approval by simple majority vote in a referendum if Parliament approves a motion for a referendum by one third of its members; The Instrument of Government - amended several times, last in 2018; The Act of Succession - changed in 1937, 1980; The Freedom of the Press Act - amended several times, last in 2019; The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression - amended several times, last in 2018
Legal systemcivil law system based on the Swedish modelcivil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and customary law
Suffrage18 years of age; universal18 years of age; universal
Executive branchchief of state: President Sauli NIINISTO (since 1 March 2012)

head of government: Prime Minister Sanna MARIN (since 10 December 2019)

cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to Parliament 

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 January 2018 (next to be held in January 2024); prime minister appointed by Parliament

election results: Sauli NIINISTO reelected president; percent of vote Sauli NIINISTO (independent) 62.7%, Pekka HAAVISTO (Vihr) 12.4%, Laura HUHTASAARI (PS) 6.9%, Paavo VAYRYNEN (independent) 6.2%, Matti VANHANEN (Kesk) 4.1%, other 7.7%
chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 15 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree (daughter of the monarch, born 14 July 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister Stefan LOFVEN (since 3 October 2014); Deputy Prime Minister Isabella LOVIN (since 25 May 2016); note - Prime Minister Stefan LOFVEN was ousted in a no-confidence vote on 25 September 2018 and headed a caretaker government until the next government was formed; LOFVEN was reelected as Prime Minister and took office on 21 January 2019 

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister
Legislative branchdescription: unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; 199 members directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and 1 member in the province of Aland directly elected by simple majority vote; members serve 4-year terms) (e.g. 2019)

elections: last held on 14 April 2019 (next to be held on April 2023) (e.g. 2019)

election results: percent of vote by party/coalition - SDP 17.7%, Finn Party 17.5%, Kok 17.0%. Centre Party  13.8%, Green League 11.5%, Left Alliance 8.2%; seats by party/coalition -SDP 40, Finn Party 39, Kok 38, Centre Party 31, Green League 20, Left Alliance 16; composition men 107, women 93, percent of women 46.5% (e.g. 2019)
description: unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; 310 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed, party-list proportional representation vote and 39 members in "at-large" seats directly elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 September 2018 (next to be held in 2022)

election results: percent of vote by party - SAP 28.3%, M 19.8%, SD 17.5%, C 8.6%, V 8%, KD 6.3%, L 5.5%, MP 4.4%, other 1.6%; seats by party - SAP 100, M 70, SD 62, C 31, V 28, KD 22, L 20, MP 16; composition - men 188, women 161, percent of women 46.1%
Judicial branchhighest courts: Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus (consists of the court president and 18 judges); Supreme Administrative Court (consists of 21 judges, including the court president and organized into 3 chambers); note - Finland has a dual judicial system - courts with civil and criminal jurisdiction and administrative courts with jurisdiction for litigation between individuals and administrative organs of the state and communities

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court judges appointed by the president of the republic; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 68

subordinate courts: 6 Courts of Appeal; 8 regional administrative courts; 27 district courts; special courts for issues relating to markets, labor, insurance, impeachment, land, tenancy, and water rights
highest courts: Supreme Court of Sweden (consists of 16 justices, including the court chairman); Supreme Administrative Court (consists of 18 justices, including the court president)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court justices nominated by the Judges Proposal Board, a 9-member nominating body consisting of high-level judges, prosecutors, and members of Parliament; justices appointed by the Government; following a probationary period, justices' appointments are permanent

subordinate courts: first instance, appellate, general, and administrative courts; specialized courts that handle cases such as land and environment, immigration, labor, markets, and patents
Political parties and leadersAland Coalition (a coalition of several political parties on the Aland Islands)
Center Party or Kesk [Annika SAARIKKO]
Christian Democrats or KD [Sari ESSAYAH]
Finns Party or PS [Jussi HALLA-AHO]
Green League or Vihr [Maria OHISALO]
Left Alliance or Vas [Li ANDERSSON]
National Coalition Party or Kok [Petteri ORPO]
Social Democratic Party or SDP [Sanna MARIN]
Swedish People's Party or SFP [Anna-Maja HENRIKSSON]
Center Party (Centerpartiet) or C [Annie LOOF]
Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) or KD [Ebba Busch THOR]
Green Party (Miljopartiet de Grona) or MP [Isabella LOVIN and Per BOLUND]
Left Party (Vansterpartiet) or V [Jonas SJOSTEDT]
Liberal Party (Liberalerna) or L [Jan BJORKLUND]
Moderate Party (Moderaterna) or M [Ulf KRISTERSSON]
Swedish Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) or SAP [Stefan LOFVEN]
Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) or SD [Jimmie AKESSON]
International organization participationADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in the USchief of mission: Ambassador Mikko Tapani HAUTALA (since 17 September 2020)

chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 298-5800

FAX: [1] (202) 298-6030

email address and website:
sanomat.was@formin.fi

https://finlandabroad.fi/web/usa/mission

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York
chief of mission: Ambassador Karin Ulrika OLOFSDOTTER (since 8 September 2017)

chancery: 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600

FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699

email address and website:
ambassaden.washington@gov.se

https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/usa-washington/

consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the USchief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Ian CAMPBELL (since 14 January 2021)

embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14 B, 00140 Helsinki

mailing address: 5310 Helsinki Place, Washington DC  20521-5310

telephone: [358] (9) 616-250

FAX: [358] (9) 174-681

email address and website:
HelsinkiACS@state.gov

https://fi.usembassy.gov/
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Pamela M. TREMONT (since 20 January 2021)

embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-115 89 Stockholm

mailing address: 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC  20521-5750

telephone: [46] (08) 783-53-00

FAX: [46] (08) 661-19-64

email address and website:
STKACSinfo@state.gov

https://se.usembassy.gov/
Flag descriptionwhite with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the blue represents the thousands of lakes scattered across the country, while the white is for the snow that covers the land in winterblue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field
National anthemname: "Maamme" (Our Land)

lyrics/music: Johan Ludvig RUNEBERG/Fredrik PACIUS

note: in use since 1848; although never officially adopted by law, the anthem has been popular since it was first sung by a student group in 1848; Estonia's anthem uses the same melody as that of Finland
name: "Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)

lyrics/music: Richard DYBECK/traditional

note: in use since 1844; also known as "Sang till Norden" (Song of the North), is based on a Swedish folk tune; it has never been officially adopted by the government; "Kungssangen" (The King's Song) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies
International law organization participationaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdictionaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)lion; national colors: blue, whitethree crowns, lion; national colors: blue, yellow
Citizenshipcitizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Finland

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 6 years
citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Sweden; in the case of a child born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen of Sweden and the father unknown

dual citizenship recognized: no, unless the other citizenship was acquired involuntarily

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Economy

FinlandSweden
Economy - overview

Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy with per capita GDP almost as high as that of Austria and the Netherlands and slightly above that of Germany and Belgium. Trade is important, with exports accounting for over one-third of GDP in recent years. The government is open to, and actively takes steps to attract, foreign direct investment.

Finland is historically competitive in manufacturing, particularly in the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. Finland excels in export of technology as well as promotion of startups in the information and communications technology, gaming, cleantech, and biotechnology sectors. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the cold climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export industry, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population.

Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU before 2009 and its banks and financial markets avoided the worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit exports and domestic demand hard in that year, causing Finland's economy to contract from 2012 to 2014. The recession affected general government finances and the debt ratio. The economy returned to growth in 2016, posting a 1.9% GDP increase before growing an estimated 3.3% in 2017, supported by a strong increase in investment, private consumption, and net exports. Finnish economists expect GDP to grow a rate of 2-3% in the next few years.

Finland's main challenges will be reducing high labor costs and boosting demand for its exports. In June 2016, the government enacted a Competitiveness Pact aimed at reducing labor costs, increasing hours worked, and introducing more flexibility into the wage bargaining system. As a result, wage growth was nearly flat in 2017. The Government was also seeking to reform the health care system and social services. In the long term, Finland must address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity in traditional industries that threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.

Sweden's small, open, and competitive economy has been thriving and Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living with its combination of free-market capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. Sweden remains outside the euro zone largely out of concern that joining the European Economic and Monetary Union would diminish the country's sovereignty over its welfare system.

 

Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of a manufacturing economy that relies heavily on foreign trade. Exports, including engines and other machines, motor vehicles, and telecommunications equipment, account for more than 44% of GDP. Sweden enjoys a current account surplus of about 5% of GDP, which is one of the highest margins in Europe.

 

GDP grew an estimated 3.3% in 2016 and 2017 driven largely by investment in the construction sector. Swedish economists expect economic growth to ease slightly in the coming years as this investment subsides. Global economic growth boosted exports of Swedish manufactures further, helping drive domestic economic growth in 2017. The Central Bank is keeping an eye on deflationary pressures and bank observers expect it to maintain an expansionary monetary policy in 2018. Swedish prices and wages have grown only slightly over the past few years, helping to support the country's competitiveness.

 

In the short and medium term, Sweden's economic challenges include providing affordable housing and successfully integrating migrants into the labor market.

GDP (purchasing power parity)$268.662 billion (2019 est.)

$265.619 billion (2018 est.)

$261.649 billion (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2010 dollars
$547.595 billion (2019 est.)

$540.776 billion (2018 est.)

$530.433 billion (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2010 dollars
GDP - real growth rate1.15% (2019 est.)

1.52% (2018 est.)

3.27% (2017 est.)
1.29% (2019 est.)

2.06% (2018 est.)

2.82% (2017 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP)$48,668 (2019 est.)

$48,159 (2018 est.)

$47,502 (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2010 dollars
$53,240 (2019 est.)

$53,146 (2018 est.)

$52,739 (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2010 dollars
GDP - composition by sectoragriculture: 2.7% (2017 est.)

industry: 28.2% (2017 est.)

services: 69.1% (2017 est.)
agriculture: 1.6% (2017 est.)

industry: 33% (2017 est.)

services: 65.4% (2017 est.)
Population below poverty line12.2% (2019 est.)17.1% (2018 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage sharelowest 10%: 6.7%

highest 10%: 45.2% (2013)
lowest 10%: 3.4%

highest 10%: 24% (2012)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)1% (2019 est.)

1% (2018 est.)

0.7% (2017 est.)
1.7% (2019 est.)

1.9% (2018 est.)

1.7% (2017 est.)
Labor force2.52 million (2020 est.)5.029 million (2020 est.)
Labor force - by occupationagriculture: 4%

industry: 20.7%

services: 75.3% (2017 est.)
agriculture: 2%

industry: 12%

services: 86% (2014 est.)
Unemployment rate6.63% (2019 est.)

7.38% (2018 est.)
6.78% (2019 est.)

6.33% (2018 est.)
Distribution of family income - Gini index27.4 (2017 est.)

22.2 (1995)
28.8 (2017 est.)

25 (1992)
Budgetrevenues: 134.2 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 135.6 billion (2017 est.)

note: Central Government Budget data; these numbers represent a significant reduction from previous official reporting
revenues: 271.2 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 264.4 billion (2017 est.)
Industriesmetals and metal products, electronics, machinery and scientific instruments, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothingiron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles
Industrial production growth rate6.2% (2017 est.)4.1% (2017 est.)
Agriculture - productsmilk, barley, oats, wheat, potatoes, sugar beet, rye, pork, poultry, beefwheat, milk, sugar beet, barley, potatoes, oats, rapeseed, pork, rye, triticale
Exports$119.887 billion (2019 est.)

$111.339 billion (2018 est.)

$109.513 billion (2017 est.)
$302.65 billion (2019 est.)

$291.846 billion (2018 est.)

$279.461 billion (2017 est.)
Exports - commoditiesrefined petroleum, paper and wood pulp products, cars, stainless steel, lumber (2019)cars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, lumber (2019)
Exports - partnersGermany 14%, Sweden 10%, United States 8%, Netherlands 6%, China 6%, Russia 5% (2019)Germany 10%, Norway 9%, United States 8%, Denmark 7%, Finland 6%, United Kingdom 5%, Netherlands 5%, China 5% (2019)
Imports$120.437 billion (2019 est.)

$116.628 billion (2018 est.)

$110.701 billion (2017 est.)
$276.622 billion (2019 est.)

$273.125 billion (2018 est.)

$262.597 billion (2017 est.)
Imports - commoditiescrude petroleum, cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicines (2019)cars and vehicle parts, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, computers (2019)
Imports - partnersGermany 16%, Sweden 14%, Russia 13%, China 6%, Netherlands 6% (2019)Germany 18%, Netherlands 9%, Denmark 7%, Norway 7%, China 6%, Finland 5%, Belgium 5%, Poland 5% (2019)
Debt - external$631.549 billion (2019 est.)

$536.301 billion (2018 est.)
$911.317 billion (2019 est.)

$1,012,171,000,000 (2018 est.)
Exchange rateseuros (EUR) per US dollar -

0.82771 (2020 est.)

0.90338 (2019 est.)

0.87789 (2018 est.)

0.885 (2014 est.)

0.7634 (2013 est.)
Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar -

8.49085 (2020 est.)

9.52915 (2019 est.)

9.01895 (2018 est.)

8.4335 (2014 est.)

6.8612 (2013 est.)
Fiscal yearcalendar yearcalendar year
Public debt61.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

62.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
40.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

42.3% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold$10.51 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$11.2 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
$62.22 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$59.39 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Current Account Balance-$603 million (2019 est.)

-$4.908 billion (2018 est.)
$22.339 billion (2019 est.)

$13.902 billion (2018 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)$269.259 billion (2019 est.)$531.35 billion (2019 est.)
Credit ratingsFitch rating: AA+ (2016)

Moody's rating: Aa1 (2016)

Standard & Poors rating: AA+ (2014)
Fitch rating: AAA (2004)

Moody's rating: Aaa (2002)

Standard & Poors rating: AAA (2004)
Ease of Doing Business Index scoresOverall score: 80.2 (2020)

Starting a Business score: 93.5 (2020)

Trading score: 92.4 (2020)

Enforcement score: 66.4 (2020)
Overall score: 82 (2020)

Starting a Business score: 93.1 (2020)

Trading score: 98 (2020)

Enforcement score: 67.6 (2020)
Taxes and other revenues53.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)50.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)-0.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)1.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24total: 17.2%

male: 18.7%

female: 15.6% (2019 est.)
total: 20.1%

male: 20.5%

female: 19.7% (2019 est.)
GDP - composition, by end usehousehold consumption: 54.4% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 22.9% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 22.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 38.5% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -38.2% (2017 est.)
household consumption: 44.1% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 26% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 24.9% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.8% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 45.3% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -41.1% (2017 est.)
Gross national saving24.1% of GDP (2019 est.)

23.5% of GDP (2018 est.)

23% of GDP (2017 est.)
29.4% of GDP (2019 est.)

28.5% of GDP (2018 est.)

28.4% of GDP (2017 est.)

Energy

FinlandSweden
Electricity - production66.54 billion kWh (2016 est.)152.9 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption82.79 billion kWh (2016 est.)133.5 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports3.159 billion kWh (2016 est.)26.02 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports22.11 billion kWh (2016 est.)14.29 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Oil - production0 bbl/day (2018 est.)0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Oil - imports236,700 bbl/day (2017 est.)400,200 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Oil - exports0 bbl/day (2015 est.)14,570 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Oil - proved reserves0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Natural gas - proved reservesNA cu m (1 January 2016 est.)0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)
Natural gas - production0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption2.35 billion cu m (2017 est.)764.5 million cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports4 million cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports2.322 billion cu m (2017 est.)764.5 million cu m (2017 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity16.27 million kW (2016 est.)40.29 million kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels41% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)5% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants20% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)42% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels17% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)22% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources23% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)32% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production310,600 bbl/day (2017 est.)413,200 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption217,100 bbl/day (2017 est.)323,100 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports166,200 bbl/day (2017 est.)371,100 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports122,200 bbl/day (2017 est.)229,600 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Electricity accesselectrification - total population: 100% (2020)electrification - total population: 100% (2020)

Telecommunications

FinlandSweden
Telephones - main lines in usetotal subscriptions: 269,000

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4.84 (2019 est.)
total subscriptions: 1,750,989

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17.32 (2019 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellulartotal subscriptions: 7.15 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 128.69 (2019 est.)
total subscriptions: 12,895,854

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 127.57 (2019 est.)
Internet country code

.fi

 



note - Aland Islands assigned .ax

.se
Internet userstotal: 4,922,163

percent of population: 88.89% (July 2018 est.)
total: 9,251,773

percent of population: 92.14% (July 2018 est.)
Telecommunication systemsgeneral assessment:

Finland's telecom market is among most progressive in Europe through favorable regulatory action and competitive technological innovation; orientation towards high technology, research, and development with high investment in information and communication sectors; large proportion of population on 5G and most on LTE; high broadband and mobile penetration; fixed-voice density falling; government provided universal 5Mb/s broadband (2021)

(2020)

domestic: fixed-line 5 per 100 subscription and 129 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019)

international: country code - 358; landing points for Botnia, BCS North-1 & 2, SFL, SFS-4, C-Lion1, Eastern Lights, Baltic Sea Submarine Cable, FEC, and EESF-2 & 3 submarine cables that provide links to many Finland points, Estonia, Sweden, Germany, and Russia; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments

general assessment:

Sweden's telecom market includes mature mobile and broadband sectors stimulated by investment of the main operators in new technologies; one of the best developed LTE infrastructures in the region; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet, and broadband penetration; best developed LTE infrastructure in the region; government promotes national broadband strategy to increase connectivity (2021)

(2020)

domestic: fixed-line 19 per 100 and mobile-cellular 126 per 100; coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels (2019)

international: country code - 46; landing points for Botina, SFL, SFS-4, Baltic Sea Submarine Cable, Eastern Light, Sweden-Latvia, BCS North-Phase1, EE-S1, LV-SE1, BCS East-West Interlink, NordBalt, Baltica, Denmark-Sweden-15,-17,-18, Scandinavian Ring -North,-South, IP-Only Denmark-Sweden, Donica North, Kattegate-1,-2, Energinet Laeso-Varberg and GC2 submarine cables providing links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments

Broadband - fixed subscriptionstotal: 1.797 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32.34 (2019 est.)
total: 4,038,725

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 39.95 (2019 est.)
Broadcast mediaa mix of 3 publicly operated TV stations and numerous privately owned TV stations; several free and special-interest pay-TV channels; cable and satellite multi-channel subscription services are available; all TV signals are broadcast digitally; Internet television, such as Netflix and others, is available; public broadcasting maintains a network of 13 national and 25 regional radio stations; a large number of private radio broadcasters and access to Internet radiopublicly owned TV broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial networks plus regional stations; multiple privately owned TV broadcasters operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 50 local TV stations; widespread access to pan-Nordic and international broadcasters through multi-channel cable and satellite TV; publicly owned radio broadcaster operates 3 national stations and a network of 25 regional channels; roughly 100 privately owned local radio stations with some consolidating into near national networks; an estimated 900 community and neighborhood radio stations broadcast intermittently

Transportation

FinlandSweden
Railwaystotal: 5,926 km (2016)

broad gauge: 5,926 km 1.524-m gauge (3,270 km electrified) (2016)
total: 14,127 km (2016)

standard gauge: 14,062 km 1.435-m gauge (12,322 km electrified) (2016)

narrow gauge: 65 km 0.891-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2016)
Roadwaystotal: 454,000 km (2012)

highways: 78,000 km (50,000 paved, including 700 km of expressways; 28,000 unpaved) (2012)

private and forest roads: 350,000 km (2012)

urban: 26,000 km (2012)
total: 573,134 km (includes 2,050 km of expressways) (2016)

paved: 140,100 km (2016)

unpaved: 433,034 km (2016)

note: includes 98,500 km of state roads, 433,034 km of private roads, and 41,600 km of municipal roads
Waterways8,000 km (includes Saimaa Canal system of 3,577 km; southern part leased from Russia; water transport used frequently in the summer and widely replaced with sledges on the ice in winter; there are 187,888 lakes in Finland that cover 31,500 km); Finland also maintains 8,200 km of coastal fairways (2013)2,052 km (2010)
Pipelines1288 km gas transmission pipes, 1976 km distribution pipes (2016)1626 km gas (2013)
Ports and terminalsmajor seaport(s): Helsinki, Kotka, Naantali, Porvoo, Raahe, Raumamajor seaport(s): Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo, Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

LNG terminal(s) (import): Brunnsviksholme, Lysekil
Merchant marinetotal: 274

by type: bulk carrier 9, container ship 1, general cargo 77, oil tanker 4, other 183 (2020)
total: 368

by type: general cargo 49, oil tanker 20, other 299 (2020)
Airportstotal: 148 (2013)total: 231 (2013)
Airports - with paved runwaystotal: 74 (2017)

over 3,047 m: 3 (2017)

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26 (2017)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 (2017)

914 to 1,523 m: 21 (2017)

under 914 m: 14 (2017)
total: 149 (2013)

over 3,047 m: 3 (2013)

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 75 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m: 22 (2013)

under 914 m: 37 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runwaystotal: 74 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2013)

under 914 m: 71 (2013)
total: 82 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2013)

under 914 m: 77 (2013)
National air transport systemnumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 77

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 13,364,839 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 957.64 million mt-km (2018)
number of registered air carriers: 11 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 316
Civil aircraft registration country code prefixOHSE

Military

FinlandSweden
Military branchesFinnish Defense Forces (FDF): Army (Maavoimat), Navy (Merivoimat), Air Force (Ilmavoimat); Ministry of the Interior: Border Guard (Rajavartiolaitos) (2021)

note: the Border Guard becomes part of the FDF in wartime
Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army, Navy, Air Force; Home Guard (2021)
Military service age and obligationat age 18, all Finnish men are obligated to serve 6-12 months of service within a branch of the military or the Border Guard, and women may volunteer for service; after completing their initial conscript obligation, individuals enter the reserves and remain eligible for mobilization until the age of 60 (2019)18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47; compulsory military service, abolished in 2010, was reinstated in January 2018; conscription is selective, includes both female and male (age 18), and requires 9-12 months of service (2019)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP2.2% of GDP (2021 est.)

1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)

1.5% of GDP (2019)

1.4% of GDP (2018)

1.4% of GDP (2017)
1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)

1.1% of GDP (2019)

1% of GDP (2018)

1% of GDP (2017)

1.1% of GDP (2016)
Military and security service personnel strengthsinformation varies; approximately 23,000 total active duty personnel (16,000 Army; 4,000 Navy; 3,000 Air Force) (2020)information varies; approximately 16,000 active duty troops (7,000 Army; 3,000 Navy; 3,000 Air Force; 3,000 other, including staff, logistics, support, medical, cyber, intelligence, etc); 22,000 Home Guard (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitionsthe inventory of the Finnish Defense Forces consists of a wide mix of mostly modern Western and domestically-produced weapons systems, as well as a limited quantity of Soviet-era equipment; since 2010, the US and several European countries, including France and Italy, are the leading foreign suppliers of armaments to Finland; the Finnish defense industry produces a variety of military equipment, including wheeled armored vehicles and naval vessels (2020)the inventory of the Swedish Armed Forces is comprised of domestically-produced and imported Western weapons systems; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of military hardware to Sweden, followed by France and Germany; Sweden's defense industry is capable of producing a range of air, land, and naval systems (2020)
Military deployments200 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2021)approximately 450 Mali (EUTM, MINUSMA, Task Force Takuba) (Jan 2021)

Transnational Issues

FinlandSweden
Disputes - international

various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia and other areas ceded to the former Soviet Union, but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands

none

Refugees and internally displaced personsrefugees (country of origin): 8,862 (Iraq) (2019)

stateless persons: 3,428 (2020)
refugees (country of origin): 113,418 (Syria), 27,933 (Eritrea), 30,546 (Afghanistan), 17,593 (Somalia), 12,460 (Iraq), 7,408 (Iran) (2019)

stateless persons: 50,414 (2020); note - the majority of stateless people are from the Middle East and Somalia

Environment

FinlandSweden
Air pollutantsparticulate matter emissions: 5.88 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 45.87 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 4.46 megatons (2020 est.)
particulate matter emissions: 5.89 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 43.25 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 4.42 megatons (2020 est.)
Total water withdrawalmunicipal: 400 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 1.417 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 50 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
municipal: 955 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 1.345 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 75 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Revenue from forest resourcesforest revenues: 0.36% of GDP (2018 est.)forest revenues: 0.21% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coalcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recyclingmunicipal solid waste generated annually: 2.738 million tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 769,926 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.1% (2015 est.)
municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.377 million tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 1,416,835 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 32.4% (2015 est.)

Source: CIA Factbook