Country explorer: Finland

Finland has undergone significant economic changes, marked by a substantial reduction in unemployment from over 10% to about 7.5%, a manageable inflation rate often mirroring or slightly surpassing that of other high-income countries, and a gradual increase in GDP per capita, reflecting steady economic growth and improvement in living standards, in line with trends observed in its Nordic peers.

Finland has experienced modest population growth alongside a notable decline in fertility rates and a consistent increase in life expectancy, reflecting trends common among high-income countries, yet distinguished by its relatively low net migration.

Finland has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving basic needs infrastructure, achieving near-universal access to clean cooking fuels, electricity, and safely managed drinking water, and making notable progress in safely managed sanitation, aligning closely with the high standards prevalent among its Nordic and high-income peers.

Finland has demonstrated significant advancements in human development, characterized by improvements in education quality and access, reduction in child mortality, and maintaining a high literacy rate, positioning it as a leader in human development among high-income countries.

Finland has consistently maintained a strong environmental stance, characterized by a notable reduction in per capita CO₂ emissions, an impressive increase in electricity production from renewable sources including significant boosts in bioenergy and wind, a vast resource of renewable freshwater per capita showcasing efficient resource management, and stability in its extensive forest area, all of which distinguish it as an environmental leader among high-income countries.

Finland has cemented its position as a leader in technology and innovation, characterized by high internet usage, widespread mobile phone subscriptions, significant investment in R&D, and a robust output of scientific and technical publications, thereby reflecting the nation's commitment to knowledge-driven economy and societal digitalization.

Finland has seen a gradual rise in the share of its population born abroad, maintained high levels of self-reported life satisfaction amidst slight improvements in gender equality, and experienced a noticeable increase in its age dependency ratio, showcasing societal shifts towards greater diversity, well-being, and demographic aging, trends largely consistent with its high-income Nordic peers.

Finland has consistently exemplified robust governance marked by a strong adherence to the rule of law, low perceptions of corruption, high political civil liberties, and a free press, situating it among the world's top nations in governance and societal integrity.