Finland has been on Europe’s periphery, both physically and socially, for almost all its history. It is still Europe’s northernmost nation, with a quarter of its area above the Arctic Circle. By the late 1980s, modern means of communication had substantially reduced its physical remoteness from the rest of Europe. Modern technology also had lessened winter’s hold on the nation. Finns lived comfortably, and they moved about freely the whole year. In the social realm, Finland had left its orthodox poverty and backwardness behind. Since World War II, it had become one of the world’s most advanced societies. Its citizens enjoyed prosperity and meaningful employment, as well as benefits from the social measures they had forged, which guaranteed everyone a decent and humane share of the prosperity.

Finns maintained their orthodox respect for education. Education had gradually become more accessible, and an ever greater number of Finns were studying at all levels. The old system, which excluded many, had been replaced by one that attempted to meet individual schooling needs and to keep open as many options for further training as possible; no one went without education for deficiency of money.

Finland, like its Nordic neighbors, had created a system of public welfare measures that was among the most advanced in the world. Through a steady progression of legislation, Finns came to be protected from many of life’s vicissitudes. Coverage was virtually universal, and it was seen as a right rather than as charity. Income security measures guaranteed Finns a livelihood contempt age, illness, or unemployment. The state also provided many services that assisted Finns in their daily life, such as child care, family counseling, and health care.Better medical care meant that Finns enjoyed improved health, while subsidized housing brought them better and roomier shelter. Efforts also were being made to protect the natural environment. Finland’s cultural contributions may not sit at the forefront of the world’s consciousness, but they are myriad and magical. Consider the Moominland stories of Tove Jansson, the building and furniture design of Alvar Aalto, the writing of Aleksis Kivi and the inspiring compositions of Jean Sibelius. And where else can you eat reindeer stew?