Finland was historically a part of Sweden. In 1809 it became an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire. Finland declared independence from Russia in 1917. It subsequently fought wars against the Soviet Union. For a time during the Cold War, Finland observed political neutrality. There are still some movements in Finland calling for the restoration of Karelia and other border areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish government has not tried to pursue such demands. Finland has been ranked the second most stable country in the world, in a survey based on social, economic, political, and military indicators.

After independence the country transformed into a modern industrial economy. A member of the European Union since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the €uro monetary system from its start in January 1999.