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History of Finland dates back to the pre-historic times as settlement began here immediately after the Ice Age. Historians believe that the earliest settlers came here around 8500 BC. History of Finland is rich and interesting and throws considerable light on the culture and traditions of the land.

Pre- historic times:

Historical documents reveal that the first settlers of Finland came from the Baltic and Nordic countries and Russia. As a result Finnish people are of the German origin but they speak a Finno-Ugrian language.

Under the Swedish Regime:

If one delves into the History of Finland, one will find that the Swedes occupied the realm in the 13th century. In 1323 the Finnish region was divided. This was the result of the struggle between the East (the Orthodox Church in Novgorod) and the West (the Roman Catholic Church in Sweden) for control over the Finnish area. During this period the political, cultural and the religious aspects of the land were in continuous flux.

The royalty and the Papists equally retained hold on the land and built castles and churches. King Gustavus Vasa confiscated the church property and the touch with western civilization and modes of learning was temporarily stalled. However, the establishment of Duke John's Renaissance court in Turku Castle and University of Turku enabled the Finns to revive their connections with the western learning.

In the Thirty Years War, Sweden became all powerful and the Finnish came under their complete dominion. Agriculture became the major industry realm. Till the 18th century the land remained under the Swedes until attacked by the Russians and their allies the Polish, Germans and Danish.

Under the Russian Regime:

In the history of Finland this is the period that is the most interesting. After the Swedes left, Alexander I gave the state an autonomous entity as a ‘duchy’. Helsinki was made the capital city. It was this period in Finland’s history that marked the beginning of the nationalist feeling. Kalevala, which is one Finland’s national epic was written and published by Lönnrot in 1835. Nationalistic poems of Runeberg were also published. The newspapers and the journals also reflected the nationalist sentiments. Further attempts were made to establish Finland as part of the Russian realm but they all failed. The national struggles became pronounced and after the severe civil war and internal turmoil finally Finland gained its independence. In 1995 free Finland joined the European Union as a free nation.

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