Demographics of Finland

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Demographics of Finland
Finland Population Pyramid.svg
Population5,635,560
Growth rate0.7 (2023) [1]
Birth rate7.8 births/1,000 population (2023 est.)
Death rate10.9 deaths/1,000 population (2023 est.)
Life expectancy81.76 years
  male78.86 years
  female84.79 years (2023)
Fertility rate1.26 children born/woman (2023 est.) [2]
Infant mortality rate2.13 deaths/1,000 live births
Net migration rate10.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2023 est.)
Age structure
0–14 years14.9% (2023) [1]
15–64 years61.8% (2023) [1]
65 and over23.4% (2023) [1]
Sex ratio
Total0.97 male(s)/female (2023)
At birth1.05 male(s)/female
Under 151.05 male(s)/female
65 and over0.63 male(s)/female
Nationality
NationalityFinn
Major ethnicFinnish (89.8% background) [1]
Language
Official Finnish, Swedish
SpokenFinnish, Swedish, Sámi

The demographics of Finland is monitored by the Statistics Finland (Finnish : Tilastokeskus, Swedish : Statistikcentralen). Finland has a population of over 5.6 million people, ranking it 19th out of 27 within the European Union. The average population density in Finland is 19 inhabitants per square kilometre (49/sq mi), making it the third most sparsely populated country in Europe, after Iceland and Norway. Population distribution is extremely uneven, with the majority of the population concentrated in the southern and western regions of the country. The majority of the Finnish population - approximately 73% - lives in urban areas. Approximately 1.6 million, or almost 30%, reside solely in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Conversely, the Arctic Lapland region contains only two inhabitants per square kilometre (5.2/sq mi). [3]

Contents

Until recently, Finland has been mainly an ethnically homogeneous country, with native Finns being the dominant ethnic group. However, with increased immigration, the country is slowly becoming more ethnically diverse. In addition, Finland is home to significant groups of Finno-Swedish, Sámi and Roma minorities, which have long historical roots in the country. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, of which 84.9 percent and 5.1 percent of the population speak the first as their mother tongue. [1] Finland was a part of the Swedish kingdom for around 500 years. [4]

Due to recent immigration, significant populations of ethnic Estonians, Russians, Iraqis, Chinese, Somalis, Kurds and Indians now reside in the country. Furthermore, by 2023, Ukrainians had become one of the largest ethnic group in the region. [1]

As of 2023, Statistics Finland publishes data on the foreign population using three distinct methodologies. The Finnish population includes persons of foreign origin and background, who make up 10.2% of the total population. [note 1] In additional calculations, the proportion of persons born outside Finland is 9.6%. Individuals who have a first language other than Finnish, Swedish or Sámi account for 10.0%. [1]

In the history of Finland, the first human settlement originated approximately 11,000 BC, following the end of the Ice Age. [6] The initial settlers of present-day Finland were presumably hunter-gatherers. They were later replaced by the Sámi, followed by Finnic populations from the east, south and west. The initial dependable population information dates back to 1749 when Swedish officials initially recorded population statistics. Finland was a part of the Swedish Kingdom until it became a Grand Duchy ruled by the Russian Empire in 1809, and finally gained its full independence in 1917.

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, significant emigration, primarily from rural areas, occurred to Sweden and North America, while Finland's primary immigrant source was other European countries. Approximately 300,000 Finnish nationals reside abroad and, according to estimates, the number of individuals of Finnish ancestry worldwide ranges from 1.6 to 2 million. Currently, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and Spain are the preferred destinations for most Finnish emigrants. [7]

One of the primary challenges facing society in the future is adapting to demographic changes, particularly the aging of the population. The proportion of the working-age population is decreasing, resulting in projected labour shortages. [8] However, immigration has significantly increased in recent years. If the current trend persists, the population of Finland will continue to increase and could even reach the milestone of 6 million people by 2040. [9]

Population

As of 2023, there are 5,604,558 people in Finland. [2]

Demographic statistics according to the World Population Review in 2022. [10]

Historical population

The first human settlement in Finland originated around 11,000 BC, following the end of the Ice Age. The initial inhabitants of modern-day Finland were presumably hunter-gatherers. There is no information about the language spoken by the first inhabitants. However, it is known that the Finnish and Sámi languages emerged thousands of years later. [6] Archaeological, linguistic, and genetic studies support the notion that the country was inhabited from south to north, with a population of a few thousand during prehistoric times. The Sámi people then succeeded the previous inhabitants, followed by the influx of Finnic people from the east, west, and south who eventually replaced them. Currently, the Sámi people number around 10,000 in Finland as a minority. Although they have lived north of the Arctic Circle for 7,000 years, they make up only 5% of the population of the province of Lapland.

The reliable population data is available from 1749, when Sweden first compiled population statistics. At that time, the population of Finland stood at 410,400 individuals. The threshold of one million inhabitants was surpassed subsequent to the Finnish War (1808–1809) in 1811, upon the annexation of the Old Finland region. The milestone of five million inhabitants was reached in 1991. [11]

Exceeding the million population milestones: [11]

  1. million in 1811
  2. million in 1879
  3. million in 1912
  4. million in 1950
  5. million in 1991

Until the beginning of the 20th century, annual population growth fluctuated between 1% and 2%. There were a few exceptional years of negative growth during times of war and destruction. [11] The significant demographic and economic transformations that took place in Finland post-World War II impacted the composition of Finnish families. Over time, family sizes reduced noticeably, declining from an average of 3.6 individuals in 1950 to an average of 2.7 in 1975. Despite this change, family structures remained relatively constant during the 25-year period, with 24.4% of families consisting of a man and a woman, 61.9% comprising a couple and children, 11.8% consisting of a woman with offspring, and 1.9% consisting of a man with offspring. There were no substantial differences in percentages compared to 1950. [12]

Nonetheless, fewer children were born per family; the average decreased from 2.24 in 1950 to 1.7 in the 1980s. Large families were infrequent, with only 2% having four or more children, while 51% had a single child; 38% had two children, and 9% had three children. [12] Population growth declined to below 0.5% in the 1970s, and to approximately 0.2% in the 1990s. In recent years, however, population growth has recovered partially, rising to approximately 0.5%, partly due to increased immigration. [11]

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1750421,000    
1760490,000+1.53%
1770560,000+1.34%
1780660,000+1.66%
1790706,000+0.68%
1800837,000+1.72%
1810863,000+0.31%
18201,177,500+3.16%
18301,372,100+1.54%
18401,445,600+0.52%
YearPop.±% p.a.
18501,636,900+1.25%
18601,746,700+0.65%
18701,768,800+0.13%
18802,060,800+1.54%
18902,380,100+1.45%
19002,655,900+1.10%
19102,943,400+1.03%
19203,147,600+0.67%
19303,462,700+0.96%
19403,695,610+0.65%
YearPop.±% p.a.
19504,029,800+0.87%
19604,496,220+1.10%
19704,598,330+0.22%
19804,787,770+0.40%
19904,998,480+0.43%
20005,181,000+0.36%
20105,375,300+0.37%
20205,536,146+0.30%
Population size prior to 1812 may be affected by changes on administrative divisions.
1990-2020 source: Statistics Finland [4]

Distribution and density

Population densities in Finland, inhabitants per square kilometre Population map of Finland.svg
Population densities in Finland, inhabitants per square kilometre

As of 2023, the population density of Finland was 18.4 persons per square kilometre. [1] The region of Uusimaa was the most densely populated region with around 193 persons per square kilometre, while Lapland was the least densely populated region with only around two persons per square kilometre. [1] The populace is heavily clustered in the west and south of Finland, where the largest urban centres are situated. [13] There are a total of nine cities in Finland with more than 100,000 residents. [8]

Population by region as of 2023 [1]
AreaPopulationOf total population (%)
Uusimaa 1,759,5373131
 
Southwest Finland 490,78699
 
Satakunta 211,74044
 
Kanta-Häme 169,54733
 
Pirkanmaa 539,3091010
 
Päijät-Häme 204,47944
 
Kymenlaakso 158,65833
 
South Karelia 125,16222
 
South Savo 129,91422
 
North Savo 248,19044
 
North Karelia 162,32133
 
Central Finland 273,27155
 
South Ostrobothnia 190,53933
 
Ostrobothnia 177,60233
 
Central Ostrobothnia 67,73611
 
North Ostrobothnia 418,20577
 
Kainuu 70,16411
 
Lapland 176,15033
 
Åland 30,54111
 

The geographical center of population (Weber point) of the Finnish population is currently located in Hauho, in the village of Sappee, now part of the town of Hämeenlinna. The coordinates of this point are 61' 17" N, 25' 07" E. [14]

Urban-rural classification as of 2022 [3]
AreaPopulationOf total population (%)
URBAN AREAS4,044,5687373
 
Inner urban area2,104,1643838
 
Outer urban area1,341,1222424
 
Peri-urban area599,2821111
 
RURAL AREAS1,450,5342626
 
Local centres in rural areas302,26455
 
Rural areas close to urban areas385,21177
 
Rural heartland areas503,59099
 
Sparsely populated rural areas259,46955
 
Unknown68,86811
 

Fertility

Population pyramid segmented by background. Finnish background in color, foreign background in grey. Finland Animated Population Pyramid.gif
Population pyramid segmented by background. Finnish background in color, foreign background in grey.

As of 2023, the birth rate dropped to its lowest level on record since 1776 with a total fertility rate of 1.26. A total of 43,320 children were born, and 38,179 (85%) of them were delivered by women who speak Finnish, Swedish or Sámi, the country's national languages. [2] As of 2020, the average age of first-time mothers was 29.7 years old. The mean age of women who have given birth to a live child was 31.3 years. [15]

Total fertility rate and gross reproduction rate by region as of 2022 [16]
AreaTotal fertility rateGross reproduction rate
FINLAND1.320.64
Uusimaa 1.260.61
Southwest Finland 1.270.62
Satakunta 1.400.68
Kanta-Häme 1.420.67
Pirkanmaa 1.230.61
Päijät-Häme 1.360.66
Kymenlaakso 1.230.58
South Karelia 1.280.61
South Savo 1.290.6
North Savo 1.300.65
North Karelia 1.190.57
Central Finland 1.280.64
South Ostrobothnia 1.570.78
Ostrobothnia 1.570.78
Central Ostrobothnia 1.730.83
North Ostrobothnia 1.580.78
Kainuu 1.370.67
Lapland 1.340.66
Åland 1.450.85

As of 2021, people with a foreign background in Finland had higher fertility rates than those with Finnish roots. Women of foreign descent, either born abroad (1.7) or in Finland (1.65), had the most substantial total fertility rates, averaging 1.45 for all women in Finland. Women of Finnish lineage had a slightly higher fertility rate of 1.4. For men, the total fertility rate was just above 1.3, with Finnish men slightly under the average. In contrast, men of foreign origin, whether born abroad or in Finland, exhibited a fertility rate of approximately 1.45 each. Since 2018, the most frequent countries of affiliation for women of foreign origin delivering infants have been former Soviet Union countries, Somalia, and Iraq. [17]

Historical fertility rates

In the 18th century, Finland recorded a fertility rate of 5-6 children per woman, but population growth was hindered by high infant mortality, with approximately 1 in 5 infants dying before their first birthday. Fertility remained relatively steady in the 19th century, with occasional variations. During times of conflict, such as the Finnish war, and periods of famine, birth rates declined, but eventually normalised. Presently, some developing countries have fertility rates similar to those of Finland in the 18th and 19th centuries. [18]

As the 19th century drew to a close, the traditional agrarian society began to crumble. Simultaneously, the industrial and service sectors witnessed a surge in job opportunities, and urban migration intensified. Manufacturing plants mushroomed in proximity to rivers. Fewer children being born played a role in the rising living standards. However, it is important to note that contraceptive methods were limited to the rhythm method and interrupted intercourse. [18]

Total fertility rate (TFR) in Finland from 1776 to 1899
Years [19]
177617771778177917801781178217831784178517861787178817891790179117921793
5.425.515.825.915.715.175.745.425.795.395.65.464.864.514.884.665.435.71
179417951796179717981799180018011802180318041805180618071808180918101811
5.415.185.055.25.085.094.925.075.234.785.245.214.844.974.163.695.14.66
181218131814181518161817181818191820182118221823182418251826182718281829
4.954.64.724.844.824.844.784.514.555.344.595.214.844.834.894.775.124.98
183018311832183318341835183618371838183918401841184218431844184518461847
4.854.584.473.964.754.574.174.174.324.474.594.564.964.774.644.764.394.46
184818491850185118521853185418551856185718581859186018611862186318641865
4.844.924.785.174.794.85.024.824.864.484.874.744.845.25.034.855.284.79
186618671868186918701871187218731874187518761877187818791880188118821883
4.464.473.44.524.864.954.874.975.124.954.975.194.815.145.014.794.994.96
1884188518861887188818891890189118921893189418951896189718981899
5.044.794.985.175.074.894.835.044.654.434.594.874.84.775.074.96

The decline in fertility experienced a noteworthy acceleration in the early 20th century. In 1900, the fertility rate stood at 4.8, which plummeted to 2.3 by 1933. In the late 1930s, fertility rates experienced an uptick, but it later plummeted due to the war, particularly in 1940 as a result of the Winter War. Although the ceasefire caused a spike in births, the resumption of hostilities stalled family planning efforts. Post-war in autumn 1944, there was a resurgence in births, leading to a total fertility rate of 3.1 in 1945, reaching a peak of 3.5 in 1947–1948, a record that remains unbroken. However, fertility rates began a steady decline, dipping below the generational renewal threshold of 2.1 by 1969. Finnish fertility rates have not recovered to this level since. [18]

The decline persisted until 1973, when it hit a historic low of 1.5 children per woman. In recent years, there have been fluctuations, with fertility rates fluctuating between 1.7 and 1.9. [18] As of the 2020s, Finland's overall fertility rate has fallen below 1.4. [16]

Total fertility rate (TFR) in Finland from 1900 to 2022
Years [16]
190019011902190319041905190619071908190919101911191219131914191519161917
4.834.924.794.624.854.674.814.764.654.724.604.464.454.154.133.893.693.71
191819191920192119221923192419251926192719281929193019311932193319341935
3.602.873.763.583.433.443.223.173.022.922.922.832.752.592.462.272.332.37
193619371938193919401941194219431944194519461947194819491950195119521953
2.312.522.522.562.152.902.002.462.563.073.413.473.473.333.163.013.062.96
195419551956195719581959196019611962196319641965196619671968196919701971
2.932.932.912.862.682.752.712.652.662.662.582.462.412.322.151.941.831.70
197219731974197519761977197819791980198119821983198419851986198719881989
1.591.501.621.691.721.691.651.641.631.651.721.741.701.641.601.591.701.71
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007
1.781.791.851.811.851.811.761.751.701.731.731.731.721.761.801.801.841.83
200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
1.851.861.871.831.801.751.711.651.571.491.411.351.371.461.32

The fertility rate in Finland exceeded that of neighbouring countries for the duration of the 20th century. However, since 2010, there has been a significant decline, whereas other Nordic countries have not experienced such a trend until more recently. It is a recent development that Sweden and Finland have similar social policies and incomes, however, Finland is the only country experiencing natural population decrease (excluding immigration). [20]

Age

Life expectancy in Finland since 1755 Life expectancy in Finland.svg
Life expectancy in Finland since 1755
Life expectancy in Finland since 1960 by gender Life expectancy by WBG -Finland -diff.png
Life expectancy in Finland since 1960 by gender
Live births and deaths over time Live births and deaths over time in Finland.svg
Live births and deaths over time
Crude birth rate and death rate over time Crude birth rate and death rate over time in Finland.svg
Crude birth rate and death rate over time

The Finnish population is ageing. Life expectancy has also increased in recent decades. Population growth has mainly been driven by immigration. Furthermore, the population is increasingly concentrated in urban areas in southern and western Finland.

Age structure as of 2022 [23]
AgePopulationOf total population (%)
Under 4238,2824.34.3
 
5 - 9285,8525.15.1
 
10 - 14316,1945.75.7
 
15 - 19307,9605.55.5
 
20 - 24304,3855.55.5
 
25 - 29344,9506.26.2
 
30 - 34372,1016.76.7
 
35 - 39363,6196.56.5
 
40 - 44356,6576.46.4
 
45 - 49334,7026.06
 
50 - 54326,0455.95.9
 
55 - 593640096.56.5
 
60 - 64354,7036.46.4
 
65 - 69349,9286.36.3
 
70 - 74343,7336.26.2
 
75 - 79273,6624.94.9
 
80 - 84168,0743.03
 
Over 85159,1142.92.9
 

Life expectancy and mortality

In the mid-18th century, when population statistics were initially recorded, Finland recorded an annual death rate of over 10,000, with yearly fluctuations. The overall mortality rate was at 26 and men had a life expectancy of 36.1 years during the 1750s, while women had an expectancy of 38.4 years. The gender gap in life expectancy was a few years at that time. [24]

The rapid spread of various infectious diseases such as cholera caused mortality up until the 1870s. The war years significantly increased mortality rates in the civilian population. During this time, the highest mortality rates were recorded during the Finnish War of 1808-09 and the cholera outbreak of 1832–33, which caused the deaths of a significant portion of the population. The years 1867-68 were marked as years of high death rates, with the latter year seeing a peak of 137,700 deaths. [24]

Life expectancy in Finland from 1755 to 1899
Years [25]
175517651775178517951805181518251835184518551865187518781879188018811882
37.334.939.433.837.131.835.838.434.740.535.132.141.639.244.939.637.640.4
18831884188518861887188818891890189118921893189418951896189718981899
42.742.841.340.845.545.144.944.642.539.743.345.247.646.548.148.044.3

Before the turn of the 20th century, mortality rates were notably high, but they gradually decreased thereafter. During that time period, the life expectancy of a newborn saw a significant increase to 42.8 years for men and 45.7 years for women. The gender gap in life expectancy already stood at three years. Starting from the beginning of the 20th century, improvements in hygiene, prevention of communicable diseases, and advancements in vaccinations and medicines played crucial roles in accelerating the decline in mortality rates, as compared to previous decades. On the eve of World War II, life expectancy for males stood at 53.4 years and for females, 59.0 years, constituting a five-year gap between them. [24] The life expectancy took almost two centuries to increase by 20 years since the 18th century. In contrast, the succeeding two decades only required 40 years to attain the same growth by the mid-20th century. [24]

Life expectancy in Finland from 1900 to 1950
Years [25]
190019011902190319041905190619071908190919101911191219131914191519161917
41.742.846.246.647.246.047.046.746.148.648.548.749.149.049.749.548.046.5
191819191920192119221923192419251926192719281929193019311932193319341935
32.843.147.552.451.952.550.253.453.851.853.751.354.554.955.855.456.054.4
193619371938193919401941194219431944194519461947194819491950
56.257.157.254.646.646.554.056.348.057.260.260.562.061.964.2
Life expectancy in Finland from 1971 to 2022 [22]
197119721973197419751976197719781979198019811982198319841985198619871988
70.170.871.371.271.772.072.573.373.373.673.974.574.474.774.474.774.874.8
198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006
75.075.075.475.675.976.676.676.977.177.377.577.778.178.378.578.879.079.4
2007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022*
79.479.779.880.080.480.580.981.181.481.381.581.681.981.881.881.2

Vital statistics

Data from Statistics Finland, which is the official agency for the collection of statistics in Finland. [26]

YearAverage
population
Live birthsDeathsNatural
change
Crude birth rate (per 1000)Crude death rate (per 1000)Natural change (per 1000)Crude migration change (per 1000) Total fertility rate [fn 1] [19]
19002,646,00086,33957,91528,42432.621.910.74.83
19012,667,00088,63756,22532,41233.221.112.2-4.34.92
19022,686,00087,08250,99936,08332.419.013.4-6.34.79
19032,706,00085,12049,99235,12831.518.513.0-5.64.62
19042,735,00090,25350,22740,02633.018.414.7-4.04.85
19052,762,00087,84152,77335,06831.819.112.7-2.84.67
19062,788,00091,40150,85740,54432.818.214.5-5.14.81
19072,821,00092,45753,02839,42932.818.814.0-2.24.76
19082,861,00092,14655,30536,84132.219.312.91.34.65
19092,899,00095,00550,57744,42832.817.415.3-2.04.72
19102,929,00092,98451,00741,97731.717.414.3-4.04.60
19112,962,00091,23851,64839,59030.817.413.4-2.14.46
19122,998,00092,27551,64540,63030.817.213.5-1.34.45
19133,026,00087,25051,87635,37428.817.111.7-2.34.15
19143,053,00087,57750,69036,88728.716.612.1-3.24.13
19153,083,00083,30652,20531,10127.016.910.1-0.33.89
19163,105,00079,65354,57725,07625.717.68.1-1.03.69
19173,124,00081,04658,86322,18325.918.87.1-1.03.71
19183,125,00079,49495,102-15,60825.430.4-5.05.33.60
19193,117,00063,89662,93296420.520.20.3-2.92.87
19203,133,00084,71453,30431,41027.017.010.0-4.93.76
19213,170,00082,16547,36134,80425.914.911.00.83.58
19223,211,00080,14049,18030,96025.015.39.63.33.43
19233,243,00081,96147,55634,40525.314.710.6-0.63.44
19243,272,00078,05753,44224,61523.916.37.51.43.22
19253,304,00078,26047,49330,76723.714.49.30.53.17
19263,339,00076,87547,52629,34923.014.28.81.83.02
19273,368,00075,61151,72723,88422.515.47.11.62.92
19283,396,00077,52348,71328,81022.814.38.5-0.22.92
19293,424,00076,01154,48921,52222.215.96.31.92.83
19303,449,00075,23648,24026,99621.814.07.8-0.52.75
19313,476,00071,86648,96822,89820.714.16.61.22.59
19323,503,00069,35246,70022,65219.813.36.51.32.46
19333,526,00065,04747,96017,08718.413.64.81.82.27
19343,549,00067,71346,31821,39519.113.16.00.52.33
19353,576,00069,94245,37024,57219.612.76.91.52.37
19363,601,00068,89549,12419,77119.113.65.50.72.31
19373,626,00072,31946,46625,85319.912.87.1-0.22.52
19383,656,00076,69546,93029,76521.012.88.10.22.52
19393,686,00078,16452,61425,55021.214.36.91x.92.56
19403,698,00065,84971,846-5,997 [27] 17.819.4-1.64.92.15
19413,702,00089,56573,33416,23124.219.84.4-3.32.90
19423,708,00061,67256,1415,53116.615.11.50.12.00
19433,721,00076,11249,63426,47820.513.3-3.67.12.46
19443,735,00079,44670,5708,87621.318.92.41.42.56
19453,758,00095,75849,04646,71225.513.112.4-6.23.07
19463,806,000106,07544,74861,32727.911.816.1-3.33.41
19473,859,000108,16846,05362,11528.011.916.1-2.23.47
19483,912,000107,75943,66864,09127.511.216.4-2.73.47
19493,963,000103,51544,50159,01426.111.214.9-1.93.33
19504,009,00098,06540,68157,38424.510.114.3-2.73.16
19514,047,00093,06340,38652,67723.010.013.0-3.53.01
19524,090,00094,31439,02455,29023.19.513.5-2.93.06
19534,139,00090,86639,92550,94122.09.612.3-0.32.96
19544,187,00089,84537,98851,85721.59.112.4-0.82.93
19554,235,00089,74039,57350,16721.29.311.8-0.32.93
19564,282,00088,89638,71350,18320.89.011.7-0.62.91
19574,324,00086,98540,74146,24420.19.410.7-0.92.86
19584,360,00081,14838,83342,31518.68.99.7-1.42.68
19594,395,00083,25338,82744,42618.98.810.1-2.12.75
19604,430,00082,12939,79742,33218.59.09.6-1.62.71
19614,461,00081,99640,61641,38018.49.19.3-2.32.65
19624,491,00081,45442,88938,56518.19.58.6-1.92.66
19634,523,00082,25142,01040,24118.29.38.9-1.82.66
19644,549,00080,42842,51237,91617.79.38.3-2.62.58
19654,564,00077,88544,47333,41217.19.77.3-4.02.46
19664,581,00077,69743,54834,14917.09.57.5-3.82.41
19674,606,00077,28943,79033,49916.89.57.3-1.82.32
19684,626,00073,65445,01328,64115.99.76.2-1.92.15
19694,624,00067,45045,96621,48414.69.94.6-5.01.94
19704,606,00064,55944,11920,44014.09.64.4-8.31.83
19714,612,00061,06745,87615,19113.29.93.3-2.01.70
19724,640,00058,86443,95814,90612.79.53.22.91.59
19734,666,00056,78743,41013,37712.29.32.92.71.50
19744,691,00062,47244,67617,79613.39.53.81.61.62
19754,711,00065,71943,82821,89114.09.34.6-0.31.69
19764,726,00066,84644,78622,06014.19.54.7-1.51.72
19774,739,00065,65944,06521,59413.99.34.6-1.81.69
19784,753,00063,98343,69220,29113.59.24.3-1.31.65
19794,765,00063,42843,73819,69013.39.24.1-1.61.64
19804,780,00063,06444,39818,66613.29.33.9-0.81.63
19814,800,00063,46944,40419,06513.29.34.00.21.65
19824,827,00066,10643,40822,69813.79.04.70.91.72
19834,856,00066,89245,38821,50413.89.34.41.61.74
19844,882,00065,07645,09819,97813.39.24.11.31.70
19854,902,00062,79648,19814,59812.89.83.01.11.64
19864,918,00060,63247,13513,49712.39.62.70.61.60
19874,932,00059,82747,94911,87812.19.72.40.41.59
19884,946,00063,31649,06314,25312.89.92.9-0.11.70
19894,964,00063,34849,11014,23812.89.92.90.71.71
19904,998,00065,54950,02815,52113.110.03.13.71.78
19915,029,00065,39549,29416,10113.19.83.32.91.79
19925,055,00066,73149,84416,88713.39.83.41.81.85
19935,078,00064,82650,98813,83812.810.12.71.81.81
19945,099,00065,23148,00017,23112.89.43.40.71.85
19955,117,00063,06749,28013,78712.39.62.70.81.81
19965,132,00060,72349,16711,55611.89.62.30.61.76
19975,147,00059,32949,10810,22111.59.62.00.91.75
19985,160,00057,10849,2627,84611.19.61.51.01.70
19995,171,00057,57449,3458,22911.19.61.60.51.73
20005,181,00056,74249,3397,40311.09.51.40.51.73
20015,195,00056,18948,5507,63910.89.41.51.21.73
20025,206,00055,55549,4186,13710.79.51.20.91.72
20035,220,00056,63048,9967,63410.99.41.51.21.76
20045,237,00057,75847,60010,15811.09.11.91.41.80
20055,256,00057,74547,9289,81711.09.11.91.71.80
20065,277,00058,84048,06510,77511.29.12.02.01.84
20075,300,00058,72949,0779,65211.19.31.82.61.83
20085,326,00059,53049,09410,43611.29.22.02.91.85
20095,351,00060,43049,88310,54711.39.32.02.71.86
20105,375,00060,98050,88710,19311.49.51.92.61.87
20115,401,00059,96150,5859,37611.19.41.73.11.83
20125,427,00059,49351,7077,78611.09.61.43.41.80
20135,451,00058,13451,4726,66210.79.51.23.21.75
20145,472,00057,23252,1865,04610.59.60.93.01.71
20155,487,00055,47252,4922,98010.19.60.52.21.65
20165,503,00052,81453,923-1,1099.69.8-0.23.11.57
20175,513,00050,32153,722-3,4019.19.8-0.72.51.49
20185,517,91847,57754,527-6,9508.69.9-1.32.21.41
20195,525,29245,61353,949-8,3368.39.8-1.52.81.35
20205,533,79346,46355,488-9,0258.410.0-1.63.11.37
20215,548,24149,59457,659-8,0658.910.4-1.54.11.46
20225,563,97044,95163,219-18,2688.111.3-3.26.01.32
20235,604,55843,38361,339-17,9567.710.9-3.210.41.26

Current vital statistics

[28] [29]

PeriodLive birthsDeathsNatural increase
January—October 202336,49349,091-12,598
January—October 202436,65447,224-10,570
DifferenceIncrease2.svg +161 (+0.44%)Decrease Positive.svg -1,867 (-3.80%)Increase2.svg +2,028

Languages

Official and national languages

Languages of Finnish municipalities as of 2016.
.mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{}
unilingually Finnish
bilingual with Finnish as majority language, Swedish as minority language
bilingual with Swedish as majority language, Finnish as minority language
unilingually Swedish
bilingual with Finnish as majority language, Sami as minority language Languages of Finnish municipalities (2016).svg
Languages of Finnish municipalities as of 2016.
  unilingually Finnish
  bilingual with Finnish as majority language, Swedish as minority language
  bilingual with Swedish as majority language, Finnish as minority language
  unilingually Swedish
  bilingual with Finnish as majority language, Sami as minority language

Finland has two official languages (national languages): Finnish and Swedish. In addition, there are other languages that are officially recognised by the authorities, but are not national languages. The Sámi languages are those of Finland's indigenous people. Indigenous languages with a long history in Finland include Finnish Romani (Kalo), Finnish Sign Language, Finnish-Swedish Sign Language and Karelian. Finnish, which belongs to the Uralic languages, is spoken by approximately 4.9 million people in Finland as a first language and by more than 0.5 million as a second language. It is also spoken in Sweden, Norway, Eastern Karelia, Ingria (Russia), the USA and Australia, with various dialects. Written Finnish dates back 500 years. [30]

Swedish, an Indo-European language within the North Germanic branch, is spoken by approximately 9 million people worldwide, including 296,000 speakers in Finland. Finland Swedish is a regional variety that aims to remain similar to the Swedish spoken in Sweden. The Sámi languages, which are indigenous to Europe and closely related to the Finnic languages, have approximately 60,000-100,000 speakers, of whom 10,000 live in Finland. There are three Sámi languages in Finland: Inari Sámi, Skolt Sámi and Northern Sámi, each with its own written form. Since 1992 they have had official status in certain areas of Lapland. [30]

Karelian, spoken in Finland and Russia, is the closest linguistic relative of Finnish. There are fewer than 100,000 speakers of Karelian, with approximately 5,000 in Finland. Romani, an Indo-European language, belongs to the Indo-Aryan subgroup of the Indo-Iranian branch. Finnish Romani is one of the Northern Romani dialects and has been spoken in Finland for approximately 450 years. Efforts to preserve it as a literary language began in the 1970s. Finnish Sign Language serves as the primary language for 4,000-5,000 deaf Finns and is used as a first or second language by 6,000-9,000 hearing Finns. Finnish-Swedish Sign Language, on the other hand, is endangered, with only 90 users left. [30]

All mainland municipalities are monolingual in Finnish or bilingual in Finnish and Swedish. None is monolingual Swedish. However, Swedish is the only official language on the autonomous island of Åland. [31]

First languages of the foreign population

Population by mother tongue (2023) [1]

  Finnish (84.9%)
  Swedish (5.1%)
  Russian (1.8%)
  Estonian (0.9%)
  Arabic (0.7%)
  English (0.6%)
  Ukrainian (0.5%)
  Other (5.5%)

As of 2023, 558,294 people, or 10.0%, live in Finland with a first language other than Finnish, Swedish or Sámi. [1] More than 150 foreign languages are spoken in Finland. [30] However, most of them have only few speakers. Historically, Finland has been a bilingual country where only Finnish or Swedish was spoken. This is slowly changing as the rate of immigration has increased in last three decades. [32] The majority of the Finnish population is able to communicate in English. However, the foreign population is expected to study and speak Finnish or Swedish if they want to integrate into Finnish society. [33]

As of 2023, the most common foreign languages are Russian (1.8%), Estonian (0.9%), Arabic (0.7%), English (0.6%) and Ukrainian (0.5%). [1] Approximately 70% of the country's foreign speakers live in Finland's six largest cities. [34]

Population of Finland according to mother tongue (excluding Åland) 1990–2020
Mother
language
Year [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40]
199019952000200520152020
Number %Number %Number %Number %Number %Number %
Finnish 4,675,22393.5%4,754,78792.9%4,788,49792.4%4,819,81991.7%4,865,62888.7%4,811,06786.9%
Swedish 296,7385.9%294,6645.8%291,6575.6%289,6755.5%290,1615.3%287,8715.2%
Russian 3,8840.1%15,8720.3%28,2050.5%39,6530.8%72,4361.3%84,1901.5%
Estonian 1,3940%8,7100.2%10,1760.2%15,3360.3%48,0870.9%49,5510.9%
Arabic 1,1380%2,9010.1%4,8920.1%7,1170.1%16,7130.3%34,2820.6%
English 3,5690.1%5,3240.1%6,9190.1%8,9280.2%17,7840.3%23,4330.4%
Somali 00%4,0570.1%6,4540.1%8,5930.2%17,8710.3%22,7940.4%
Kurdish 1790%1,3810%3,1150.1%5,1230.1%11,2710.2%15,3680.3%
Persian 2910%8030%1,2050%3,1650.1%8,7450.2%15,1050.3%
Chinese 7900%2,1900%2,9070.1%4,6130.1%10,7220.2%13,7780.2%
Albanian 00%2,0190%3,2930.1%5,0760.1%9,2330.2%12,6640.2%
Vietnamese 1,6430%2,7850.1%3,5880.1%4,2020.1%8,2730.2%11,5620.2%
Thai 2440%8130%1,4580%3,0330.1%8,5820.2%10,5530.2%
Turkish 8480%1,8090%2,4350%3,5950.1%7,0820.1%9,4920.2%
Spanish 8940%1,3940%1,9460%2,9370.1%7,0250.1%9,1510.2%
German 2,4270%2,7190.1%3,2980.1%4,1140.1%6,1680.1%6,8410.1%
Ukrainian 110%1130%3370%6110%0%5,9610.1%
Polish 9010%1,1290%1,1570%1,4450%0%5,6950.1%
Romanian 940%3680%6170%9090%0%5,6800.1%
French 6700%1,0620%1,5850%2,0710%0%4,9660.1%
Hungarian 5730%7320%1,0890%1,2060%0%0%
Tagalog 1180%3750%5680%7640%0%0%
Bengali 930%3730%5240%9200%0%0%
Italian 4030%5740%8330%1,1770%0%0%
Portuguese 1710%2970%4330%8650%0%0%
Urdu 790%1790%3090%5940%0%0%
Bulgarian 2300%4000%4860%6290%0%0%
Bosnian 00%00%00%1,1860%0%0%
Sami 1,7340%1.7260%1,7340%1,7520%0%0%
Hindi 1470%2390%4280%7790%0%0%
Dutch 2770%4080%6500%9600%0%0%
Latvian 200%760%1690%3910%0%0%
Japanese 2740%3860%5610%7980%0%0%
Lithuanian 300%940%1660%3750%0%0%
Norwegian 4020%4360%4710%5400%0%0%
Danish 2900%3050%3970%4560%0%0%
Hebrew 1650%2320%2630%3480%0%0%
Other2,5340.1%5,0840.1%8,2930.2%11,8250.2%79,5701.5%0%

Immigration

Net migration of Finland, 1990-present

Finland Migration Data
YearImmigration to FinlandEmigration from FinlandNet migration
199013,5586,477+7,081
199119,0015,984+13,017
199214,5546,055+8,499
199314,7956,405+8,390
199411,6118,672+2,939
199512,2228,957+3,265
199613,29410,587+2,707
199713,5649,854+3,710
199814,19210,817+3,375
199914,74411,966+2,778
200016,89514,311+2,584
200118,95513,153+5,802
200218,11212,891+5,221
200317,83812,083+5,755
200420,33313,656+6,677
200521,35512,369+8,986
200622,45112,107+10,344
200726,02912,443+13,586
200829,11413,657+15,457
200926,69912,151+14,548
201025,63611,905+13,731
201129,48112,660+16,821
201231,27813,845+17,433
201331,94113,893+18,048
201431,50715,486+16,021
201528,74616,305+12,441
201634,90518,082+16,823
201731,79716,973+14,824
201831,10619,141+11,965
201932,75817,263+15,495
202032,89815,084+17,814
202136,36413,459+22,905
202249,99815,635+34,363
202373,23615,322+57,914

Statistics of foreign population

As of 2023, Statistics Finland produces statistics on foreign nationals in three different ways: [1]

  1. Origin and background country: 571,268 people or 10.2%, have a foreign background.
  2. Country of birth: 535,451 people, or 9.6%, were born in a foreign country.
  3. Language: 558,294 people, or 10.0%, have a first language other than Finnish, Swedish or Sámi.

No official statistics exist on ethnicities. Nonetheless, the Finnish population statistics are available according to the birth countries of the residents' parents (foreign background/origin statistics). International census recommendations define an ethnic group by the perception of its members of historical, regional, or national origin. Therefore, data on ethnic status should always be sourced from a person's own statement. Due to the fact that Finland's census is registry-based, official statistics regarding ethnic groups cannot be provided. [41]

Origin and background country

Origin and background country - the definition used by Statistics Finland includes all individuals with at least one parent born in Finland as being of Finnish background. Individuals with both parents or only one known parent born abroad are classified as having foreign heritage. If both parents of an individual were born abroad, the mother's country of birth is primarily considered as the background country. For all individuals of Finnish heritage, the background country is Finland. [42] [note 2]

Origin and background country of population in Finland by continent 1990–2020
Country or continentYear [44]
1990200020102020
Population%Population%Population%Population%
Europe5,032,79699.6%5,149,52299.1%5,295,96498.1%5,318,74695.9%
Finland4,960,86099.2%5,067,87097.8%5,138,21095.6%5,089,76292.0%
EU (excluding Finnish origin)5,0030.1%9,2000.2%43,2950.8%38,7530.7%
Other Europe17,1140.3%62,2691.2%97,2491.8%191,0993.5%
AFRICA1,7200.0%11,8020.2%29,0410.5%57,4961.0%
AMERICA3,1560.1%4,4570.1%7,6490.1%13,1690.2%
ASIA5,2500.1%20,2120.4%54,5471.0%132,9032.4%
OCEANIA1360.0%3590.0%6780.0%1,0420.0%
UNKNOWN5,2390.1%4,9460.1%4,6070.1%9,5690.2%
Total: Foreign countries37,6180.8%113,2452.2%237,0664.4%444,0318.0%
Total4,998,478100%5,181,115100%5,375,276100%5,533,793100%

Country of birth

Population pyramid of Finland by origin groups in 2021 Population pyramid of Finland by origin groups.svg
Population pyramid of Finland by origin groups in 2021
Finnish and foreign born population pyramid in 2021 Finnish and foreign born population pyramid in 2021.svg
Finnish and foreign born population pyramid in 2021
Finnish background Finnish background population pyramid in 2021.svg
Finnish background
Foreign born Foreign born in Finland population pyramid in 2021.svg
Foreign born
Foreign born descendants Foreign born descendants in Finland in 2021 population pyramid.svg
Foreign born descendants

The definition used by Statistics Finland for country of birth is based on the mother's country of permanent residence at the time of birth. Consequently, Estonian immigrants born before Estonian independence are recorded as being born in the Soviet Union, and those born in territories ceded by Finland are listed as being born in Finland, regardless of subsequent territorial changes. This information reflects the government in power at the time of birth and is devoid of subjective evaluations. [45]

Country of birth (2023) [1] Population %
Flag of Finland.svg  Finland 5,068,40090.4%
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg  Soviet Union 74,8071.3%
Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia 47,2820.8%
Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 33,1860.6%
Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq 22,4840.4%
Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 22,4140.4%
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 16,2660.3%
Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine 16,0820.3%
Flag of India.svg  India 14,3140.3%
Flag of Somalia.svg  Somalia 13,7380.2%
Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines 13,2160.2%
Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand 13,1030.2%
Flag of Vietnam.svg  Vietnam 12,1450.2%
Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey 11,0680.2%
Flag of Iran.svg  Iran 11,0550.2%
Flag of the Taliban.svg  Afghanistan 10,4220.2%
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg  Yugoslavia 9,5840.2%
Flag of Syria.svg  Syria 8,7050.2%
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 7,9720.1%
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 7,6610.1%
Flag of Bangladesh.svg  Bangladesh 7,2240.1%
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 6,8350.1%
Flag of Nepal.svg    Nepal 6,2830.1%
Flag of Pakistan.svg  Pakistan 6,0730.1%
Flag of Sri Lanka.svg  Sri Lanka 5,6990.1%
Flag of Poland.svg  Poland 5,6610.1%
Flag of Romania.svg  Romania 5,3200.1%
Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria 4,8030.1%
Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia 4,1740.1%
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 3,7390.1%
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 3,6810.1%
Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco 3,3780.1%
Flag of France.svg  France 3,3390.1%
Flag of Ethiopia.svg  Ethiopia 3,0960.1%
Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria 2,9790.1%

Emigration

Map of the Finnish diaspora in the world (includes people with Finnish ancestry or citizenship).

Finland
+ 100,000
+ 10,000
+ 1,000 Map of the Finnish Diaspora in the World.svg
Map of the Finnish diaspora in the world (includes people with Finnish ancestry or citizenship).
  Finland
  + 100,000
  + 10,000
  + 1,000

Historically, Finnish emigration began in the 16th century, when Finns worked in Swedish mines, and continued until the 1970s. About 100,000 Finns emigrated to Russia during the Tsarist period, mainly to St Petersburg. Large-scale emigration began in the late 19th century, with about 400,000 Finns moving to the United States and Canada by 1980. After the Second World War, many Finns emigrated to Sweden, reaching a peak in 1970 when 41,000 settled there. An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 Finns became permanent residents of Sweden after the war. However, migration slowed in the 1980s, with more Finns returning than leaving. [12]

The impact of emigration on the Finnish labour force and birth rate has been significant. Finland has experienced two major waves of emigration: one at the beginning of the 20th century, when more than 300,000 Finns went to North America, and another from the 1950s to the 1970s, when 400,000 Finns moved to Sweden, forming large expatriate communities. [46]

Apart from these major flows, there have been smaller migrations around the world and some Finns live in different countries. In the 21st century about 14,000 people, mostly of Finnish origin, emigrate every year. Many are well-educated and may return to Finland after a few years. About 300,000 Finnish citizens live abroad and it is estimated that about 1.5 million people of Finnish origin live overseas. [46]

Internal migration

Evacuation on the Karelian Isthmus in the early days of the Winter War. Evakointia-karjalan-kannaksella-1939-12-02.jpg
Evacuation on the Karelian Isthmus in the early days of the Winter War.

Migration has played an important role in shaping Finnish society throughout its history. Notable instances are the Forest Finns' migration to Sweden during the 15th century and the relocation of Ingrians to the present-day St Petersburg region during the 17th century. Changes in borders resulted in the formation of Finnish settlements outside its territory. Wars and political conflicts led to massive population movements, such as the Karelian evacuation during World War II, which exiled roughly 420,000 individuals within Finland's borders. [47]

Until the 1960s, Finland was predominantly an agricultural society. However, waves of urbanization and political transitions have contributed to migration movements. Currently, urbanization continues to be a significant internal migration pattern, with growth centers and sparsely populated regions. Approximately 250,000 people, mainly young adults, make annual municipal moves, which have notable implications for regional development in the 21st century. [47]

Religion

Registered members of religions groups in Finland by the Statistics Finland (2023) [1]

  Other Christian (0.9%)
  Other Religions (0.8%)
   Unaffiliated (33.6%)

Before Christianisation, Finnish paganism prevailed, venerating deities such as Ukko, the god of thunder and sky. Currently, most of the Finnish population consider themselves nominal Christians, though the proportion of non-religious individuals has increased since the 1980s. As of 2023, 63.6% of the population were affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1.0% with the Orthodox Church and 1.8% were members of another religious group. A total of 33.6% have no religious affiliation. [1] The Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church are both entitled to collect church tax. There are around 140 registered religious communities, including Islam, Catholicism, and Jehovah's Witnesses. [48]

In Finland, there are also revival movements, which began as spiritual reform movements and are now organized and active within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The historic Finnish revivalist movements emerged in the late 1700s and 1800s and consisted of the Prayer Movement, the Awakened Movement, the Lutheran Evangelical Movement, and the Laestadian Movement. These movements laid out an important religious and social influence on Finnish society during this period. [49]

Religious freedom is highly valued in Finland and all residents have the right to choose and practice their faith. [48] Religious education is mandatory in Finnish schools, customized to a student's registered denomination if there are a minimum of three pupils who profess that religion. [50]

Education

The Finnish educational framework encompasses several developmental phases, from early childhood through pre-primary, primary, and lower secondary (basic education), to gymnasium (lukio), vocational, higher, and adult education. Compulsory education is mandatory for 6 to 18-year-olds, covering pre-primary to upper secondary levels. [51]

Upon completion of the nine-year basic education, students may opt between gymnasium, culminating in a matriculation exam, or vocational upper secondary, culminating in a vocational qualification. Higher education in Finland consists of universities and universities of applied sciences, which place emphasis on education and research. While universities are authorized to grant doctorates, universities of applied sciences offer vocational education and practical research. [51]

In 2012 OECD survey, adults aged 16 to 65 in Finland exhibit exceptional literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills in technology compared to other countries surveyed. Young adults aged 16–24 have above-average literacy, whereas those aged 55–65 perform at an average level, resulting in a massive 37-point age-related gap. In contrast, foreign-language immigrants in Finland demonstrate lower literacy proficiency than native Finns, consistent with the international average. [52]

Low literacy is correlated with poor health, with individuals reporting low literacy being twice as likely to experience health problems. Furthermore, in Finland, individuals with advanced skill sets have a significantly higher likelihood of being employed when compared to those with lower skill sets, with a difference of almost double. [52]

See also

Notes

  1. Statistics Finland classifies a person as having a "foreign background" if both parents or the only known parent were born abroad. [5]
  2. In 2012, Statistics Finland implemented a classification system for determining origin and background comparable to that employed by other Nordic countries. This system utilizes data on parental birthplaces to differentiate between Finnish natives and foreign-born individuals. It is important to note that data regarding individuals who passed before 1964 is unavailable in the Population Information System. Approximately 900,000 Finnish-born residents, whose parental birthplaces are unknown due to the pre-system death of their parents, are categorized as Finnish given that their native language is either Finnish, Swedish, or Sámi. Individuals with at least one parent born in Finland are classified as having a Finnish background. For those with foreign-born parents or missing parental data, a foreign background is assigned, regardless of whether they were born in Finland or abroad. In cases where both parents were born abroad, the mother's birthplace takes precedence in determining the background. If only the father's birthplace is known, it is used to determine the background. If the parental data and foreign background of a person born in Finland are unknown, their birthplace is considered their background. However, if someone is born in Finland with unknown parental information and foreign background deduction, their background remains unknown. In the case of internationally adopted children by Finnish-born parents, they are treated as having a Finnish background, with Finland as their birth country. [43]
  1. In fertility rates, 2.1 and above is a stable population and has been marked blue, 2 and below leads to an aging population and the result is that the population decreases.

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