2012 Edition

Background

Finland 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 won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the European Union since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, the key features of Finland's modern welfare state are a high standard of education, equality promotion, and national social security system - currently challenged by an aging population and the fluctuations of an export-driven economy.

Area

338,145 sq km 303,815 sq km 34,330 sq km

total

338,145 sq km

water

34,330 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Montana

Climate

cold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes

Coastline

1,250 km

Elevation extremes

Baltic Sea 0 m Halti (alternatively Haltia, Haltitunturi, Haltiatunturi) 1,328 m

highest point

Halti (alternatively Haltia, Haltitunturi, Haltiatunturi) 1,328 m

lowest point

Baltic Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

2.33 cu km/yr (14%/84%/3%) 444 cu m/yr (1999)

per capita

444 cu m/yr (1999)

total

2.33 cu km/yr (14%/84%/3%)

Geographic coordinates

64 00 N, 26 00 E

Geography - note

long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plain

Irrigated land

770 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

2,654 km Norway 727 km, Sweden 614 km, Russia 1,313 km

border countries

Norway 727 km, Sweden 614 km, Russia 1,313 km

total

2,654 km

Land use

6.54% 0.02% 93.44% (2005)

arable land

6.54%

other

93.44% (2005)

permanent crops

0.02%

Location

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 nm) 24 nm 12 nm; extends to continental shelf boundary with Sweden 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

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

territorial sea

12 nm (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 nm)

Natural hazards

NA

Natural resources

timber, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, nickel, gold, silver, limestone

Terrain

mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills

Total renewable water resources

110 cu km (2005)

Age structure

15.9% (male 426,501/ female 411,897) 65.6% (male 1,745,531/ female 1,705,782) 18.5% (male 403,848/ female 569,371) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

15.9% (male 426,501/ female 411,897)

15-64 years

65.6% (male 1,745,531/ female 1,705,782)

65 years and over

18.5% (male 403,848/ female 569,371) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

10.36 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Death rate

10.33 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Education expenditures

5.9% of GDP (2007)

Ethnic groups

Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.6%, Russian 0.5%, Estonian 0.3%, Roma (Gypsy) 0.1%, Sami 0.1% (2006)

Health expenditures

11.7% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.1% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

2,600 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

6.52 beds/1,000 population (2008)

Infant mortality rate

3.4 deaths/1,000 live births 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births 3.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

3.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

3.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Finnish (official) 91.2%, Swedish (official) 5.5%, other (small Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities) 3.3% (2007)

Life expectancy at birth

79.41 years 75.94 years 83.02 years (2012 est.)

female

83.02 years (2012 est.)

total population

79.41 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 100% 100% 100% (2000 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

100% (2000 est.)

male

100%

total population

100%

Major cities - population

HELSINKI (capital) 1.107 million (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

5 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

42.7 years 41 years 44.5 years (2012 est.)

female

44.5 years (2012 est.)

male

41 years

total

42.7 years

Nationality

Finn(s) Finnish

adjective

Finnish

noun

Finn(s)

Net migration rate

0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

15.7% (2008)

Physicians density

2.735 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

5,262,930 (July 2012 est.)

Population growth rate

0.065% (2012 est.)

Religions

Lutheran Church of Finland 82.5%, Orthodox Church 1.1%, other Christian 1.1%, other 0.1%, none 15.1% (2006)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population

urban

100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

17 years 16 years 18 years (2008)

female

18 years (2008)

male

16 years

total

17 years

Sex ratio

1.04 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.71 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.71 male(s)/female

at birth

1.04 male(s)/female

total population

0.96 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.03 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.73 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

20.5% 22% 18.8% (2009)

female

18.8% (2009)

total

20.5%

Urbanization

85% of total population (2010) 0.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

85% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

19 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]

Capital

Helsinki 60 10 N, 24 56 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

60 10 N, 24 56 E

name

Helsinki

time difference

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

Constitution

1 March 2000

Country name

Republic of Finland Finland Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland Suomi/Finland

conventional long form

Republic of Finland

conventional short form

Finland

local long form

Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland

local short form

Suomi/Finland

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Bruce J. ORECK Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki APO AE 09723 [358] (9) 616250 [358] (9) 6162 5800

chief of mission

Ambassador Bruce J. ORECK

embassy

Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki

FAX

[358] (9) 6162 5800

mailing address

APO AE 09723

telephone

[358] (9) 616250

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Ritva KOUKKU-RONDE 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 298-5800 [1] (202) 298-6030 Los Angeles, New York

chancery

3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Ritva KOUKKU-RONDE

consulate(s) general

Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 298-6030

telephone

[1] (202) 298-5800

Executive branch

President Sauli NIINISTO (since 1 March 2012) Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 22 June 2011) Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to parliament president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 February 2012 (next to be held in February 2018); the parliament elects a prime minister who is then appointed to office by the president percent of vote - Sauli NIINISTO (Kok) 36.96%, Pekka HAAVISTO (Vihr) 18.76%, Paavo VAYRYNEN (Kesk) 17.53%, Timo SOINI (TF) 9.4%, Paavo LIPPONEN (SDP) 6.7%, Paavo ARHINMÄKI (Vas) 5.48%, Eva BIAUDET (SFP) 2.7%, Sari ESSAYAH (KD) 2.47%; a runoff election between NIINISTO and HAAVISTO was held 5 February 2012 - NIINISTO 62.59%, HAAVISTO 37.41%; Jyrki KATAINEN elected prime minister; election results 118-72 government coalition - Kok, SDP, Vihr, SFP, Vas, and KD (2013)

cabinet

Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to parliament

chief of state

President Sauli NIINISTO (since 1 March 2012)

election results

percent of vote - Sauli NIINISTO (Kok) 36.96%, Pekka HAAVISTO (Vihr) 18.76%, Paavo VAYRYNEN (Kesk) 17.53%, Timo SOINI (TF) 9.4%, Paavo LIPPONEN (SDP) 6.7%, Paavo ARHINMÄKI (Vas) 5.48%, Eva BIAUDET (SFP) 2.7%, Sari ESSAYAH (KD) 2.47%; a runoff election between NIINISTO and HAAVISTO was held 5 February 2012 - NIINISTO 62.59%, HAAVISTO 37.41%; Jyrki KATAINEN elected prime minister; election results 118-72

elections

president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 February 2012 (next to be held in February 2018); the parliament elects a prime minister who is then appointed to office by the president

head of government

Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 22 June 2011)

Flag description

white 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 winter

Government type

republic

Independence

6 December 1917 (from Russia)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ADB (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), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

general courts - deal with criminal and civil cases (include district courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus, whose judges are appointed by the president); administrative courts

Legal system

civil law system based on the Swedish model; note - the president may request the Supreme Court to review laws

Legislative branch

unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year terms) last held on 17 April 2011 (next to be held in April 2015) percent of vote by party - Kok 20.4%, SDP 19.1%, TF 19%, Kesk 15.8%, Vas 8.1%, Vihr 7.2%, SFP 4.3%, KD 4%, other 2%; seats by party - Kok 44, SDP 42, TF 39, Kesk 35, Vas 14, Vihr 10, SFP 9, KD 6, other 1 (the constituency of Aland) (2012)

election results

percent of vote by party - Kok 20.4%, SDP 19.1%, TF 19%, Kesk 15.8%, Vas 8.1%, Vihr 7.2%, SFP 4.3%, KD 4%, other 2%; seats by party - Kok 44, SDP 42, TF 39, Kesk 35, Vas 14, Vihr 10, SFP 9, KD 6, other 1 (the constituency of Aland) (2012)

elections

last held on 17 April 2011 (next to be held in April 2015)

National anthem

"Maamme" (Our Land) Johan Ludvig RUNEBERG/Fredrik PACIUS 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

lyrics/music

Johan Ludvig RUNEBERG/Fredrik PACIUS

name

"Maamme" (Our Land)

National holiday

Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

National symbol(s)

lion

Political parties and leaders

Center Party (Suomen Keskusta) or Kesk [Juha SIPILA]; Christian Democrats (Kristillisdemokraatit) or KD [Paivi RASANEN]; Green League (Vihrea litto) or Vihr [Ville NIINISTO]; Left Alliance (Vasemmistolitto) or Vas [Paavo ARHINMAKI]; National Coalition Party (Kansallinen Kokoomus) or Kok [Jyrki KATAINEN]; Social Democratic Party (Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen) or SDP [Jutta URPILAINEN]; Swedish People's Party (Svenska Folkpartiet) or SFP [Carl HAGLUND]; The Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset) or TF [Timo SOINI]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish

Budget

$129.4 billion $134 billion Central Government Budget (2012 est.)

expenditures

$134 billion

revenues

$129.4 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-1.9% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

1.5% (31 December 2012) 1.75% (31 December 2010) this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate

1.9% (31 December 2012 est.) 2.68% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

-$3.6 billion (2012 est.) -$1.86 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$577 billion (31 December 2011) $370.8 billion (30 June 2010)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

26.8 (2008) 25.6 (1991)

Economy - overview

Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy with per capita output roughly that of Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Trade is important with exports accounting for over one third of GDP in recent years. Finland is strongly competitive in manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. Finland excels in high-tech exports such as mobile phones. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population. Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU in recent years and its banks and financial markets avoided the worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit exports and domestic demand hard in 2009, with Finland experiencing one of the deepest contractions in the euro zone. A recovery of exports, domestic trade, and household consumption stimulated economic growth in 2010-11. The recession affected general government finances and the debt ratio, turning previously strong budget surpluses into deficits, but Finland has taken action to ensure it will meet EU deficit targets by 2013 and retains its triple-A credit rating. Finland's main challenge in 2013 will be to stimulate growth in the face of weak demand in EU export markets and government austerity measures meant to reduce its budget deficit. Longer-term, Finland must address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7838 (2012 est.) 0.7185 (2011 est.) 755 (2010 est.) 0.7198 (2009 est.) 0.6827 (2008 est.)

Exports

$72.7 billion (2012 est.) $78.83 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

electrical and optical equipment, machinery, transport equipment, paper and pulp, chemicals, basic metals; timber

Exports - partners

Sweden 11.8%, Germany 10%, Russia 9.2%, Netherlands 6.8%, UK 5.2%, US 4.9%, China 4.7% (2011)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition by sector

3.3% 27.1% 69.6% (2012 est.)

agriculture

3.3%

industry

27.1%

services

69.6% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$36,500 (2012 est.) $36,600 (2011 est.) $35,800 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

0.3% (2012 est.) 2.7% (2011 est.) 3.3% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$247.2 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$198.1 billion (2012 est.) $197.5 billion (2011 est.) $192.2 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

3.6% 24.7% (2007)

highest 10%

24.7% (2007)

lowest 10%

3.6%

Imports

$72.23 billion (2012 est.) $80.34 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, computers, electronic industry products, textile yarn and fabrics, grains

Imports - partners

Russia 17.6%, Sweden 13.6%, Germany 13.6%, Netherlands 7.6%, China 4.2% (2011)

Industrial production growth rate

1.5% (2011 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3% (2012 est.) 3.3% (2011 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

20% of GDP (2012 est.)

Labor force

2.679 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

4.4% 15.5% 7.1% 21.3% 13.3% 9.9% 28.5% (2011)

agriculture and forestry

4.4%

commerce

21.3%

construction

7.1%

finance, insurance, and business services

13.3%

industry

15.5%

public services

28.5% (2011)

transport and communications

9.9%

Market value of publicly traded shares

$143.1 billion (31 December 2011) $118.2 billion (31 December 2010) $91.02 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

53.5% of GDP (2012 est.) 49.2% of GDP (2011 est.) data cover general government debt, and includes 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 intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental 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

$9.9 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $10.35 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$183.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $176.6 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$148.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $138.8 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$84.32 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $82.96 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$257.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $248.9 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$117 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $115.5 billion (31 December 2011 est.) see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 17 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Taxes and other revenues

52.3% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

7.3% (2012 est.) 7.8% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

54.4 million Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

215,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2012 est.)

Electricity - consumption

77.66 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports

5.218 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

52.5% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

19.1% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

16.4% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

12% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

15.72 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

16.32 million kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

76.16 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

4.101 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

4.101 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

204,800 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

133,600 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

103,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

301,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Broadcast media

a mix of publicly-operated TV stations and privately-owned TV stations; the 2 publicly-owned TV stations recently expanded services and the largest private TV station has introduced several special-interest pay-TV channels; cable and satellite multi-channel subscription services are available; all TV signals have been broadcast digitally since September 2007; analog broadcasts via cable networks were terminated in February 2008; public broadcasting maintains a network of 13 national and 25 regional radio stations; a large number of private radio broadcasters (2008)

Internet country code

.fi; note - Aland Islands assigned .ax

Internet hosts

4.763 million (2012)

Internet users

4.393 million (2009)

Telephone system

modern system with excellent service digital fiber-optic fixed-line network and an extensive mobile-cellular network provide domestic needs country code - 358; submarine cables provide links to Estonia and Sweden; 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)

domestic

digital fiber-optic fixed-line network and an extensive mobile-cellular network provide domestic needs

general assessment

modern system with excellent service

international

country code - 358; submarine cables provide links to Estonia and Sweden; 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)

Telephones - main lines in use

1.08 million (2011)

Telephones - mobile cellular

8.94 million (2009)

Airports

148 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

15 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

10

2,438 to 3,047 m

26

914 to 1,523 m

21

over 3,047 m

3

total

75

under 914 m

15 (2012)

Airports - with unpaved runways

70 (2012)

914 to 1,523 m

3

total

73

under 914 m

70 (2012)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 2, cargo 25, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, container 3, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 16, petroleum tanker 5, roll on/roll off 31, vehicle carrier 3 5 (Cyprus 1, Estonia 2, Iceland 1, Sweden 1) 47 (Bahamas 8, Germany 3, Gibraltar 2, Malta 3, Netherlands 13, Panama 2, Sweden 16) (2010)

foreign-owned

5 (Cyprus 1, Estonia 2, Iceland 1, Sweden 1)

registered in other countries

47 (Bahamas 8, Germany 3, Gibraltar 2, Malta 3, Netherlands 13, Panama 2, Sweden 16) (2010)

total

97

Pipelines

gas 694 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Helsinki, Kotka, Naantali, Porvoo, Raahe, Rauma

Railways

5,919 km 5,919 km 1.524-m gauge (3,067 km electrified) (2008)

total

5,919 km

Roadways

78,141 km 50,914 km (includes 739 km of expressways) 27,227 km (2009)

total

78,141 km

unpaved

27,227 km (2009)

Waterways

7,842 km (includes Saimaa Canal system of 3,577 km; southern part leased from Russia; water transport is used frequently in the summer and is widely replaced with sledges on the ice in winter; there are 187,888 lakes in Finland that cover 31,500 km) (2011)

Manpower available for military service

1,155,368 1,106,193 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,106,193 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,155,368

Manpower fit for military service

955,151 912,983 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

912,983 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

955,151

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

32,599 31,416 (2010 est.)

female

31,416 (2010 est.)

male

32,599

Military branches

Finnish Defense Forces (FDF): Army, Navy (includes Coastal Defense Forces), Air Force (Suomen Ilmavoimat) (2007)

Finnish Defense Forces (FDF)

Army, Navy (includes Coastal Defense Forces), Air Force (Suomen Ilmavoimat) (2007)

Military expenditures

2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for male voluntary and compulsory - and female voluntary - national military and nonmilitary service; service obligation 6-12 months; military obligation to age 60 (2012)

Disputes - international

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