The population of Finland is a fascinating subject to explore. Located in northern Europe, Finland is a small country with a population of just over 5.5 million people. This makes it one of the least populated countries in the European Union. Despite its small population, Finland has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant economy. In this article, we will explore the population of Finland, including its demographics, history, and recent trends.
Demographics
Finland is a predominantly homogenous country, with Finns making up the majority of the population (83.3%). The largest minority groups in Finland are the Swedish-speaking Finns (5.4%), Russians (1.4%), Estonians (1.1%), and Somalis (0.7%). The remaining 8.5% of the population is made up of various other ethnicities.
The population of Finland is aging, with the median age increasing from 38.2 years in 2000 to 43.3 years in 2020. This is largely due to low fertility rates and a decline in immigration. The fertility rate in Finland is 1.4 births per woman, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman.
History
The population of Finland has changed significantly over time. In the late 19th century, Finland was a predominantly rural society with a population of just over 3 million people. At this time, the population was largely homogenous and the majority of people were of Finnish descent.
During the 20th century, Finland experienced rapid population growth due to a combination of increased immigration and higher fertility rates. The population of Finland doubled between 1900 and 1950, reaching a peak of 5.7 million in 1965. Since then, the population has declined slightly due to low fertility rates and emigration.
Recent Trends
In recent years, the population of Finland has been declining due to low fertility rates and emigration. The fertility rate in Finland is 1.4 births per woman, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman. This means that the population of Finland is aging and the median age is increasing.
In addition, emigration has also been a factor in the population decline. Between 2000 and 2019, the number of people leaving Finland exceeded the number of people entering the country. This has resulted in a net population loss of over 100,000 people.
Conclusion
The population of Finland is a fascinating subject to explore. Despite its small size, Finland has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant economy. The population of Finland is predominantly homogenous, with Finns making up the majority of the population. In recent years, the population of Finland has been declining due to low fertility rates and emigration. This has resulted in a net population loss of over 100,000 people.