Finland

After centuries of being a grand duchy under Sweden, Finland became an autonomous grand duchy of Russia, its much larger neighbor, after 1809. Finland established itself as an independent republic during World War I, and maintained that independence throughout World War II. Finns tend to be extremely homogenous, and 93.4 percent of the population is Finnish. This homogeneity extends to religion, and [Page 574]82.5 percent of Finns are associated with the Lutheran Church of Finland.

By the 21st century, 63 percent of the population had become urbanized. With a per capita income of $34,900, Finland is the 34th richest country in the world; but the global economic crisis of the early 21st century has resulted in an unemployment rate of 8.6. At the national level, ...