Changes

==Geography==

==Geography==

[[File:Mantyluoto, Pori, Finland..jpg|thumb|left|Mäntyluoto, Pori.]]

[[File:Mantyluoto, Pori, Finland..jpg|thumb|left|Mäntyluoto, Pori.]]

The area of Finland is 390 908 square kilometers, consisting of 303 919 km2 of land, 34 533 km2 of lakes and 52 456 of sea. The north-south axis is 1157 kilometers and west-east axis 542 km. Most of the landscape is covered with lakes and forests. Finland is often called the "Land of Thousands of Lakes", which is true because the number of lakes in the country exceeds 188 000, of which about 56 000 have an area of one hectare or more. In the sea, there are more than 3 000 islands. Cultivated land and habitation only account for 17% of the land area, rest being mainly [[Norway spruce]] forests.  Around 75% of the land is covered by forest and 10% is covered by water. The tallest mountain is Halti with a height of 1324 meters. The longest river is Kemijoki with a length of 500 km.

The area of Finland is 390 908 square kilometers, consisting of 303 919 km2 of land, 34 533 km2 of lakes and 52 456 km2 of sea. The north-south axis is 1157 kilometers and the west-east axis is 542 km. Most of the landscape is covered with lakes and forests. Finland is often called the "Land of Thousands of Lakes", which is true because the number of lakes in the country exceeds 188 000, of which about 56 000 have an area of one hectare or more. In the sea, there are more than 3 000 islands. Cultivated land and habitation only account for 17% of the land area, the rest being mainly [[Norway spruce]] forests.  Around 75% of the land is covered by forest and 10% is covered by water. The tallest mountain is Halti with a height of 1324 meters. The longest river is Kemijoki with a length of 500 km.

Finland is bound by 614 km of common border with [[Sweden]] in the Northwest, 736 km with [[Norway]] in the North,1340 km [[Russia]] in the East, the [[Gulf of Finland]] in the South and the [[Gulf of Bothnia]] in the West.

Finland is bound by 614 km of common border with [[Sweden]] in the Northwest, 736 km with [[Norway]] in the North, 1,340 km with [[Russia]] in the East, the [[Gulf of Finland]] in the South and the [[Gulf of Bothnia]] in the West.

==People==

==People==

*Languages: Finnish 87.9%, Swedish 5.2% (both official); Sami 0.03%, Russian 1.4%.

*Languages: Finnish 87.9%, Swedish 5.2% (both official); Sami 0.03%, Russian 1.4%.

*Education: Years compulsory—9. Attendance—almost 100%. Literacy—almost 100%.

*Education: Years compulsory—9. Attendance—almost 100%. Literacy—almost 100%.

*Health: Infant mortality rate—2/1,000 (2015). Life expectancy—males 78.7 yrs., females 84.2 yrs.

*Health: Infant mortality rate—2/1,000 (2015). Life expectancy—males 78.7 yrs., females 84.2 yrs.

*Average family size: 2.8 persons. Average age at birthgiving: 29.1 yrs.

*Average family size: 2.8 persons. Average age at childbirth: 29.1 yrs.

*Workforce (2.7 million; of which 2.5 million are employed): Public services—32.8%; industry—19%; commerce—15.6%; finance, insurance, and business services—13.8%; agriculture and forestry—4.7%; transport and communications—7.4%; construction—6.7%.

*Workforce (2.7 million; of which 2.5 million are employed): Public services—32.8%; industry—19%; commerce—15.6%; finance, insurance, and business services—13.8%; agriculture and forestry—4.7%; transport and communications—7.4%; construction—6.7%.

===Universal Health Care===

===Universal Health Care===

The Finnish people make do with a three-tier system of universal health care, and one's position in the streams is based on demographics. The system is funded by Finland's remarkably high taxation rate.

The Finnish people make do with a three-tier system of universal health care, and one's position in the tiers is based on demographics. The system is funded by Finland's remarkably high taxation rate.

===Culture===

===Culture===

Finnish people (Finns) are known for their love of nature. Nature is prominent in the works of Finnish artists, such as [[Jean Sibelius]], [[Aki Kaurismäki]], [[Alvar Aalto]].  

Finnish people (Finns) are known for their love of nature. Nature is prominent in the works of Finnish artists, such as [[Jean Sibelius]], [[Aki Kaurismäki]], [[Alvar Aalto]].  

The great masters of Finnish literature include [[Mika Waltari]], [[Väinö Linna]], [[Johan Ludvig Runeberg]]. Finland is a bi-lingual country and has produced its literary heritage in both Finnish and Swedish. The beloved Moomintrolls were created by the writer and graphic artist Tove Jansson.

The great masters of Finnish literature include [[Mika Waltari]], [[Väinö Linna]], [[Johan Ludvig Runeberg]]. Finland is a bilingual country and has produced its literary heritage in both Finnish and Swedish. The beloved Moomintrolls were created by the writer and graphic artist Tove Jansson.

Another important facet of traditional Finnish culture is the love of the Finnish [[sauna]].

Another important facet of traditional Finnish culture is the love of the Finnish [[sauna]].

Northern Finland is home to a culture called the [[Sami people]], or [[Laplanders]], which are known for wearing red clothing and herding reindeer.  Santa Claus is based on this culture.

Northern Finland is home to the Sami people, or [[Laplanders]], who are known for wearing red clothing and herding reindeer.  Santa Claus is based on this culture.

They are considered a high context culture.

They are considered a high-context culture.

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===Sports===

===Sports===

The most popular sport in Finland is [[ice hockey]] and their national team has won a number of world titles in that sport. Finland is perhaps most successful, however, in skiing competitions of all disciplines including downhill, cross-country, ski-jumping and aerial skiing. Motorsports are also popular in Finland and the country has produced three [[formula 1]] world champions: Keke Rosberg, Mika Hakkinen, and Kimi Raikkonen. Finland has also won the most World Rally Championships (14) by seven different drivers like Juha Kankkunen and Tommi Mäkinen (both won 4 times).  

The most popular sport in Finland is [[ice hockey]] and their national team has won a number of world titles in that sport. Finland is perhaps most successful, however, in skiing competitions of all disciplines including downhill, cross-country, ski-jumping and aerial skiing. Motorsports are also popular in Finland and the country has produced three Formula One world champions: Keke Rosberg, Mika Hakkinen, and Kimi Raikkonen. Finland has also won the most World Rally Championships (14) by seven different drivers including Juha Kankkunen and Tommi Mäkinen (both won 4 times).  

===Population===

===Population===

Finland currently numbers 5,513,130 inhabitants and has an average population density of 18 inhabitants per square kilometer. This makes it, after Norway and Iceland, the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Finland's population has always been concentrated in the southern parts of the country, a phenomenon even more pronounced after 20th-century urbanization.

Finland currently numbers 5,513,130 inhabitants and has an average population density of 18 inhabitants per square kilometer. This makes it, after Norway and Iceland, the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Finland's population has always been concentrated in the southern parts of the country, a phenomenon even more pronounced after 20th-century urbanization.

The share of foreign citizens in Finland is 4.5% (2017) being among the lowest of the European Union countries. Most of them are from Russia, Estonia, and Iraq. The share of foreign languages is 6.77% and the percentage of finish speakers have been declining since 2013. Among newborns, the percentage of finish speakers is in decline since 1992.   

The share of foreign citizens in Finland is 4.5% (2017), being among the lowest of the European Union countries. Most of them are from Russia, Estonia, and Iraq. The share of foreign languages is 6.77% and the percentage of Finnish speakers has been declining since 2013. Among newborns, the percentage of Finnish speakers has been in decline since 1992.   

===Religion===

===Religion===

[[File:Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral Finland.jpg|thumb|right|Helsinki, Lutheran Cathedral.]]

[[File:Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral Finland.jpg|thumb|right|Helsinki, Lutheran Cathedral.]]

Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (70.9%, 2017). With approximately 3.7 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. A minority belong to the Finnish Orthodox Church (1.1%; see [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]) and Pentecostal (0.9%). Other Protestantism denominations and the Roman Catholic Church in Finland are significant.

Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (70.9%, 2017). With approximately 3.7 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. A minority belong to the Finnish Orthodox Church (1.1%; see [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]) and to Pentecostal churches (0.9%). Other Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church in Finland are significant.

The main Lutheran and Orthodox churches are constitutional national churches of Finland with special roles such as in state ceremonies and schools. A university degree in theology is compulsory for Lutheran priests. Representatives at Lutheran Church assemblies are selected in church elections every four years.

The main Lutheran and Orthodox churches are constitutional national churches of Finland with special roles such as in state ceremonies and schools. A university degree in theology is compulsory for Lutheran priests. Representatives at Lutheran Church assemblies are selected in church elections every four years.

Even though the membership in the main Lutheran church is high, the population is not highly religious. Polls suggest that 28-60% of the population to be either agnostics or [[Atheism|atheists]].<ref>http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html</ref>

Even though the membership in the main Lutheran church is high, the population is not highly religious. Polls suggest that 28–60% of the population are either agnostics or [[Atheism|atheists]].<ref>http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html</ref>

In 2020, Christian MP Päivi Räsänen reportedly faced inquiries by [[police]] because she mentioned Bible verses on [[social media]] in opposition to the Lutheran church's involvement in an LGBT event.<ref>{{cite web|author=Anugrah Kumar|title=Finland: Christian MP faces 2 new investigations for comments on Jesus, homosexuality|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/finland-christian-mp-faces-2-new-investigations-for-comments-on-jesus-homosexuality.html|date=March 12, 2020|accessdate=March 13, 2020|publisher=[[The Christian Post]]}}</ref>

In 2020, Christian MP Päivi Räsänen reportedly faced inquiries by [[police]] because she mentioned Bible verses on [[social media]] in opposition to the Lutheran church's involvement in an LGBT event.<ref>{{cite web|author=Anugrah Kumar|title=Finland: Christian MP faces 2 new investigations for comments on Jesus, homosexuality|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/finland-christian-mp-faces-2-new-investigations-for-comments-on-jesus-homosexuality.html|date=March 12, 2020|accessdate=March 13, 2020|publisher=[[The Christian Post]]}}</ref>

====Political parties====

====Political parties====

Finland's proportional representation system (D'Hond method) encourages a multitude of political parties and has resulted in many coalition governments. Political activity by communists was legalized in 1944, and although four major parties have dominated the postwar political arena, none now has a majority position.   

Finland's proportional representation system (D'Hondt method) encourages a multitude of political parties and has resulted in many coalition governments. Political activity by communists was legalized in 1944, and although four major parties have dominated the postwar political arena, none now has a majority position.   

In elections held in 2015, the Center Party (Keskusta, or KESK), traditionally representing rural interests, became the largest party again, seeing large electoral gains. The [[conservative]] [[Finns Party]] (Perussuomalaiset, or PS, formerly known as the True Finns) became the second largest in the country, although it lost a single seat. The Center Party then formed a three-party governing coalition with the right-of-center National Coalition (Kokoomus, or KOK) and the Finns Party, though the latter split and was kicked out of the coalition in 2017 after more consistent conservatives took control of the party. The Social Democratic Party (Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue, or SDP) suffered a defeat in the election and fell to fourth place.

In elections held in 2015, the Center Party (Keskusta, or KESK), traditionally representing rural interests, became the largest party again, seeing large electoral gains. The [[conservative]] [[Finns Party]] (Perussuomalaiset, or PS, formerly known as the True Finns) became the second largest in the country, although it lost a single seat. The Center Party then formed a three-party governing coalition with the right-of-center National Coalition (Kokoomus, or KOK) and the Finns Party, though the latter split and was kicked out of the coalition in 2017 after more consistent conservatives took control of the party. The Social Democratic Party (Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue, or SDP) suffered a defeat in the election and fell to fourth place.

===Military===

===Military===

{{See also|Belligerents in NATO imperial wars}}

{{See also|Belligerents in NATO imperial wars}}

[[File:Finnish Airforce Academy.PNG|300px|thumb|Although the [[swastika]] is banned throughout most of [[Europe]], the modern Finish Airforse Academy still uses the sawstika as its official emblem.]]

[[File:Finnish Airforce Academy.PNG|300px|thumb|Although the [[swastika]] is banned throughout most of [[Europe]], the modern Finnish Air Force Academy still uses the swastika as its official emblem.]]

Finland received full [[NATO]] [[vassal state]] status in 2023. By joining NATO, Finland violated [[United Nations]] [[Article 53 and 107]].

Finland received full [[NATO]] [[vassal state]] status in 2023. By joining NATO, Finland violated [[United Nations]] [[Article 53 and 107]].

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

Though "Finland declared itself neutral at the start of the Second World War,  the Soviet Union demanded concessions", because it "feared Finland would allow itself to be used as a base from which enemies could attack. Finland delayed, using the time to mobilise its army and seek help from Sweden and the Western Allies, ..., but with little success".

Though "Finland declared itself neutral at the start of the Second World War,  the Soviet Union demanded concessions", because it "feared Finland would allow itself to be used as a base from which enemies could attack. Finland delayed, using the time to mobilise its army and seek help from Sweden and the Western Allies, ..., but with little success".

The USSR invaded on 30 November 1939.<ref>[https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/a-short-history-of-the-winter-war "A Short History of the Winter War". Imperial War Museum]</ref >

The USSR invaded on 30 November 1939.<ref>[https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/a-short-history-of-the-winter-war "A Short History of the Winter War". Imperial War Museum]</ref>

The Continuation War was the war between the Soviet Union and Finland in the period 1941–44, when in alliance with Germany Finland sought to reverse its losses in the Winter War of 1939–40.  The [[Siege of Leningrad]] began in September 1941 when [[Nazi Germany]] and Finnish armies surrounded the [[Russia]]n city of Leningrad (now [[St. Petersburg]]).  During the winter of 1941-42 people in Leningrad began to die in large numbers because the Germans and Finns would not allow food into the city.  During the siege 1.2 million people died of starvation caused by the Germans and Finns. Some historian describe this as genocide.

The Continuation War was the war between the Soviet Union and Finland in the period 1941–44, when in alliance with Germany Finland sought to reverse its losses in the Winter War of 1939–40.  The [[Siege of Leningrad]] began in September 1941 when [[Nazi Germany]] and Finnish armies surrounded the [[Russia]]n city of Leningrad (now [[St. Petersburg]]).  During the winter of 1941-42 people in Leningrad began to die in large numbers because the Germans and Finns would not allow food into the city.  During the siege 1.2 million people died of starvation caused by the Germans and Finns. Some historians describe this as genocide.

Finland's basic foreign policy goal from the end of the [[Continuation War]] with the Soviet Union in 1944 until 1991 was to avoid great-power conflicts and to build mutual confidence with the Soviet Union. Although the country was culturally, socially, and politically Western, Finns realized they must live in peace with the Soviet Union and take no action that might be interpreted as a security threat. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 opened up dramatic new possibilities for Finland and has resulted in the Finns actively seeking greater participation in Western political and economic structures. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and euro in 2002.

Finland's basic foreign policy goal from the end of the [[Continuation War]] with the Soviet Union in 1944 until 1991 was to avoid great-power conflicts and to build mutual confidence with the Soviet Union. Although the country was culturally, socially, and politically Western, Finns realized they must live in peace with the Soviet Union and take no action that might be interpreted as a security threat. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 opened up dramatic new possibilities for Finland and has resulted in the Finns actively seeking greater participation in Western political and economic structures. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and euro in 2002.

At a [[White House]] Summit on August 18, 2025 on [[peace]] after [[NATO]]'s defeat in the [[NATO war in Ukraine]], President Stubb said, "We have a long border with [[Russia]]… We found a solution in 1944, I believe we can in 2025". The 1944 Moscow Armistice saw [[Nazi]]-allied Finland cede land, jail its wartime president & enter 80 years of neutrality.

At a [[White House]] Summit on August 18, 2025 on [[peace]] after [[NATO]]'s defeat in the [[NATO war in Ukraine]], President Stubb said, "We have a long border with [[Russia]]… We found a solution in 1944, I believe we can in 2025". The 1944 Moscow Armistice saw [[Nazi]]-allied Finland cede land, jail its wartime president and enter 80 years of neutrality.

====Previous relations with the Soviet Union, and today with Russia====  

====Previous relations with the Soviet Union, and today with Russia====  

[[File:Uspenski cathedral Helsinki.jpg|thumb|The Uspenski cathedral of Helsinki; with its golden cumpolas and redbrick façade, the cathedral is one of the clearest symbol of the [[Russian Orthodox]] impact on Finnish history.]]

[[File:Uspenski cathedral Helsinki.jpg|thumb|The Uspenski cathedral of Helsinki; with its golden cumpolas and redbrick façade, the cathedral is one of the clearest symbols of the [[Russian Orthodox]] impact on Finnish history.]]

The principal architect of the post-1944 foreign policy of neutrality was J.K. Paasikivi, who was President from 1946 to 1956. Urho Kekkonen, President from 1956 until 1981, further developed this policy, stressing that Finland should be an active rather than a passive neutral. This policy is now popularly known as the "Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line."  

The principal architect of the post-1944 foreign policy of neutrality was J.K. Paasikivi, who was President from 1946 to 1956. Urho Kekkonen, President from 1956 until 1981, further developed this policy, stressing that Finland should be an active rather than a passive neutral. This policy is now popularly known as the "Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line."  

After Finland's alliance with [[Hitler]], it remained neutral until 2022. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has waged several [[war of aggression|wars of aggression]], including against [[Serbia]] to carve out the state of [[Kosovo]], and another in [[Libya]] which resulted in chaos and the return of the slave trade in Black Africans.  Since 2014, NATO has waged a [[proxy war]] against ethnic Russians in the [[Donbas]] region.  Following the Russian Federation's [[Russia-Ukraine war|Special Denazification Operation]] to de-nazify Ukraine, Finland considered joining NATO.  Critics warned that after many years of discussion about the "Finlandization of Ukraine... we are now much closer to the Ukraine-ization of Finland."<ref>https://thesaker.is/from-the-finlandization-of-ukraine-to-the-ukraine-ization-of-finland/</ref>

After Finland's alliance with [[Hitler]], it remained neutral until 2022. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has waged several [[war of aggression|wars of aggression]], including against [[Serbia]] to carve out the state of [[Kosovo]], and another in [[Libya]] which resulted in chaos and the return of the slave trade in Black Africans.  Since 2014, NATO has waged a [[proxy war]] against ethnic Russians in the [[Donbas]] region.  Following the Russian Federation's [[Russia-Ukraine war|Special Denazification Operation]] to de-nazify Ukraine, Finland considered joining NATO.  Critics warned that after many years of discussion about the "Finlandization of Ukraine... we are now much closer to the Ukraine-ization of Finland."<ref>https://thesaker.is/from-the-finlandization-of-ukraine-to-the-ukraine-ization-of-finland/</ref>

On February 28, 2022 [[Finland]], then a non-NATO country, announced they would deliver 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 cartridges, 1,500 single-shot anti-tank weapons, and 70,000 combat ration packages to the Kyiv regime.<ref>https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/finland-to-send-arms-assistance-to-ukraine</ref>  A Kremlin spokesman said Russia would have to rebalance the situation.

On February 28, 2022 [[Finland]], then a non-NATO country, announced it would deliver 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 cartridges, 1,500 single-shot anti-tank weapons, and 70,000 combat ration packages to the Kyiv regime.<ref>https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/finland-to-send-arms-assistance-to-ukraine</ref>  A Kremlin spokesman said Russia would have to rebalance the situation.

In early April 2022 Finland opened negotiations to join NATO.  The people of Finland were denied any right to a plebiscite over such a crucial matter.  If Finland joins NATO, Russia will put nuclear weapons in [[Kaliningrad]].

In early April 2022 Finland opened negotiations to join NATO.  The people of Finland were denied any right to a plebiscite over such a crucial matter.  If Finland joins NATO, Russia will put nuclear weapons in [[Kaliningrad]].

*Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting: Products—meat (pork and beef), grain (wheat, rye, barley, oats), dairy products, potatoes, rapeseed.  

*Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting: Products—meat (pork and beef), grain (wheat, rye, barley, oats), dairy products, potatoes, rapeseed.  

*Industry: Types—metal (including electronics and electrical equipment) and engineering, forest products, chemicals, shipbuilding, foodstuffs, textiles.

*Industry: Types—metal (including electronics and electrical equipment) and engineering, forest products, chemicals, shipbuilding, foodstuffs, textiles.

*Trade: Exports—€60 billion. Major markets—Germany 14.2%, Sweden 10.3%, Nederlands 6.9%. Import--€62 billion.  Major suppliers—Germany 15.5%, Russia 13.2%, Sweden 11%.

*Trade: Exports—€60 billion. Major markets—Germany 14.2%, Sweden 10.3%, Netherlands 6.9%. Import--€62 billion.  Major suppliers—Germany 15.5%, Russia 13.2%, Sweden 11%.

==History==

==History==

The [[Siege of Leningrad]] began in September 1941 when the armies of [[Nazi Germany]] and [[Finland]] surrounded the [[Russia]]n city of Leningrad (now [[St. Petersburg]]).  During the winter of 1941-42 people in Leningrad began to die in large numbers because the Germans and Finns would not allow food into the city.  Many civilians were also killed by German bombing.

The [[Siege of Leningrad]] began in September 1941 when the armies of [[Nazi Germany]] and [[Finland]] surrounded the [[Russia]]n city of Leningrad (now [[St. Petersburg]]).  During the winter of 1941-42 people in Leningrad began to die in large numbers because the Germans and Finns would not allow food into the city.  Many civilians were also killed by German bombing.

The [[Red Army]] finally broke the siege in January 1944.  During the siege 1.2 million people died of starvation because of Finland and Germany.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jt8QVm8dPaQC|title=The Legacy of the Siege of Leningrad, 1941–1995: Myth, Memories, and Monuments|last=Kirschenbaum|first=Lisa A.|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2006|isbn=9781139460651|pages=44|quote=The blockade began two days later when German and Finnish troops severed all land routes in and out of Leningrad.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225210446/https://books.google.ch/books?id=jt8QVm8dPaQC|archive-date=}}</ref><ref>http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/24522</ref>

The [[Red Army]] finally broke the siege in January 1944.  During the siege 1.2 million people died of starvation because of Germany and Finland.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jt8QVm8dPaQC|title=The Legacy of the Siege of Leningrad, 1941–1995: Myth, Memories, and Monuments|last=Kirschenbaum|first=Lisa A.|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2006|isbn=9781139460651|pages=44|quote=The blockade began two days later when German and Finnish troops severed all land routes in and out of Leningrad.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225210446/https://books.google.ch/books?id=jt8QVm8dPaQC|archive-date=}}</ref><ref>http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/24522</ref>

Finnish Jews, however were not persecuted. Of the approximately 500 Jewish refugees who arrived in Finland, eight were handed over to the Germans, for which Finland submitted an official apology in 2000.<ref>[http://www.uta.fi/~tuulikki.vuonokari/fin-1.html Jews in Finland During World War II]</ref>  Also during the war, approximately 2,600 Soviet prisoners of war were exchanged for 2,100 Finnish prisoners of war from Germany. In 2003, the Simon Wiesenthal Center submitted an official request for a full-scale investigation by the Finnish authorities of the prisoner exchange. It was established there were about 70 Jews among the extradited prisoners but none was extradited as a result of ethnic background or religious belief.

Finnish Jews, however, were not persecuted. Of the approximately 500 Jewish refugees who arrived in Finland, eight were handed over to the Germans, for which Finland submitted an official apology in 2000.<ref>[http://www.uta.fi/~tuulikki.vuonokari/fin-1.html Jews in Finland During World War II]</ref>  Also during the war, approximately 2,600 Soviet prisoners of war were exchanged for 2,100 Finnish prisoners of war from Germany. In 2003, the Simon Wiesenthal Center submitted an official request for a full-scale investigation by the Finnish authorities of the prisoner exchange. It was established there were about 70 Jews among the extradited prisoners but none was extradited as a result of ethnic background or religious belief.

Treaties signed in 1947 and 1948 with the Soviet Union included obligations and restraints on Finland vis-a-vis the U.S.S.R. as well as territorial concessions by Finland; both have been abrogated by Finland since the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Treaties signed in 1947 and 1948 with the Soviet Union included obligations and restraints on Finland vis-a-vis the U.S.S.R. as well as territorial concessions by Finland; both have been abrogated by Finland since the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union.