Finland

1155-Finland became part of Sweden kingdom.

1809-Finland is surrendered to Russian by Sweden.  Finland becomes partly self-ruling.

1906-Univeral sufferage adopted by Finland.  Finland grants women the right to vote, becoming the first European country to do so.

December 6, 1917-Finland declares its independence from Russian.

1939-1940- Finland is defeated by Soviet Union in the Witner War.

1941-1944- Finland is defeated by Soviet Union in Continuation War.

1944- Finland makes seperate peace with Allies; established a policy of international neutrality.

1955-Finland joins United Nations.

1995-Finland becomes 15th nation to join the European Union.

Country Stats

Official Name: Republic of Finland (Suomi in Finnish)

Capital: Helsinki

Official Language: Finnish and Swedish

Official Religion: none

National Anthem: "Maamme" (Finnish) "Vart Land" (Swedish) (our land)

Government: Multiparty republic

Chief of State: President

Head of Government: Prime Minister

Population: 5,117,000

Currency: Markka (Finnmark)

Literacy: Virtually 100%