Finland

Finland is found in northwestern Europe. The country is one of the most northern located countries of the world. Finland shares borders with Norway, Sweden, and Russia. As can be seen in the map below, Finland is close to the Arctic Circle — but actually has a much milder climate than one would expect due to the moderating impact of the Gulf Stream.

Finnish Population in Canada

143,645

Finland was ruled by Sweden for 800 years and then by Russia for another 100 before it finally became independent in 1917. Today, Finland is one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries in the world and enjoys social and political stability. Finland is a member of the European Union. The Evangelical Lutheran and Orthodox Churches are recognized as national churches, but there is freedom of religion. Those who are members of these churches must pay a church tax (up to 2% of personal income); those who are not members are exempt. The two national churches are also responsible for birth, marriage, and death registrations — however, non-members can register at other state agencies. With an overwhelmingly Christian population, it is unsurprising that the Christian holidays of Good Friday, Easter, and most importantly Christmas, are celebrated.

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• Statistics Canada. (2011, April 7). 2006 Census of Canada: Topic-based tabulations/Ethnic Origin, Single and Multiple Ethnic Origin Responses and Sex for the Population of Canada, Provinces, Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2006 Census – 20% Sample Data. Retrieved July 15, 2014, from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement