Finland is one of the world's most competitive and innovative countries. The high level of development of our country depends on solid expertise, a versatile educational system and innovations, as well as a welfare-oriented social policy. Finns regard themselves as equals, they respect each other, and democracy; equality is considered to be more important than cultural hierarchy.
Finland is situated in northern Europe. The country's western neighbours include Sweden and Norway, and to the east is Russia, with which Finland shares a border of 1 269 km. With regard to its area, Finland is the sixth largest European country. A border between East and West, Finland has an excellent vista of both the European Union, of which the country is a member, and of Russia, too. As a result of close relations and history between Finland and Sweden, Finland is bilingual, i.e. Finnish and Swedish are the two official languages.
Finland joined the EU in early 1995, and was the only Nordic country to join the European Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Finland belongs to the United Nations, and is a member of the Nordic Council.
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