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Finland Timeline
Travel through our timeline to learn about Finland's rich history.
About 5,000 B.C.
Seal-hunting is a main source of livelihood for Finnish settlers.12th century
What will later become Finland is part of Sweden. Sweden’s King Erik introduces Christianity to the Finns.1809
Under Czar Alexander I, Russia conquers Finland. The country becomes a self-governing part of the Russian Empire. Finland is allowed to keep its legal and religious traditions from the era of Swedish rule.1812
Helsinki becomes capital of Finland.1835
Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala, is published, stirring Finnish national pride. Compiled by folklorist Elias Lonnrot, it is a collection of ancient sung poetry.
ULLSTEIN BILD/THE GRANGER COLLECTION, NYC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
1917
Finland declares independence from Russia on December 6.1919
Kaarlo Stahlberg becomes the first President of the Republic of Finland.
1939–1944
During World War II, the Soviet Union invades Finland, igniting two wars: the Winter War of 1939–1940 and the Continuation War of 1941–1944. Finland cedes land to the Soviet Union.1947
Finland signs a peace treaty with the Soviet Union.1955
Finland joins the United Nations and Nordic Council.1995
Finland becomes a full member of the European Union.
MARTII KAINULAINEN—LEHTIKUVA/AP