Finland profile

Demography and Health

Finland is a high‑income Nordic country with a relatively small and aging population. In 2024, the total population stood at 5,637,214 people (rank 116), and the country experienced a positive net migration of about 26,894 people, helping offset natural population dynamics shaped by a birth rate of 7.8 per 1,000 people and a crude death rate of 11.0 per 1,000. Life expectancy at birth is high, at 81.7 years (rank 36), reflecting strong health and social systems and broad access to services. Infant and child mortality are low, with under‑5 mortality at 2.3 per 1,000 live births (rank 156), indicating effective early‑life care. Finland also shows robust connectivity and information access, with 93.5% of the population using the Internet (rank 25), which supports health information, remote services, and digital health initiatives. Health expenditure is substantial and well‑targeted: current health expenditure accounts for 9.66% of GDP (rank 34), and domestically, government health expenditure per capita in purchasing power parity terms is about 4,943 international dollars (rank 18). The health system is supported by a strong workforce, as physicians average 4.38 per 1,000 people (rank 13). Population health outcomes extend to social indicators: poverty at national poverty lines stands at 12.2% (rank 30), while the prevalence of undernourishment is low at 2.5% (rank 91), suggesting a relatively secure baseline of nutrition and living standards. However, Finland also experiences challenges in mental health, as indicated by a suicide mortality rate of 14.6 per 100,000 people (rank 32), underscoring ongoing attention to mental health services, stigma reduction, and prevention strategies. When interpreted together, these demographic and health indicators point to a society with high life expectancy, strong health infrastructure, good access to digital tools, and ongoing needs related to aging and mental health.

Economy

Finland exhibits a high‑income, competitive economy with a well‑developed knowledge base and strong institutions. The gross domestic product per capita in current US dollars is approximately 53,889 (rank 21), and purchasing power parity GDP per capita is about 64,091 international dollars (rank 27), signaling a high standard of living and productive capacity. Inflation remains modest, at 1.57% (rank 125), contributing to price stability that supports investment and consumer confidence. The economy shows a balanced macro stance with a current account surplus of about 0.31% of GDP (rank 50). Unemployment stands at 7.15% (rank 24), a rate that reflects structural transitions in the economy—progressive diversification toward high‑skilled sectors while remaining above long‑term lows observed in previous decades. The country demonstrates strong human capital and innovation as reflected in research and development expenditure at 2.96% of GDP (rank 9) and 1,557 resident patent applications (rank 23) in 2021, highlighting a robust ecosystem for science, technology, and knowledge‑driven growth. The economy is highly integrated into global trade, with exports of goods and services equaling 41.6% of GDP in 2024 (rank 59) and imports at 40.9% (rank 70), pointing to an open and highly integrated economy. External finance is attracted through foreign direct investment, at net inflows equal to 0.661% of GDP in 2024 (rank 81), indicating continued but measured foreign capital participation in Finland’s sophisticated sectors. The country’s ambition with innovation is reinforced by strong indicators of high‑tech activity: high‑technology exports reach about 3.0–5.3 billion USD in the listed figure (3, with a 36‑rank for high‑tech exports), illustrating Finland’s role as a producer and exporter of advanced technologies. Taken together, these data portray Finland as a knowledge‑driven, price‑stable economy with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and open trade."

Trade and Investment

Finland presents a highly open trade and investment profile consistent with its advanced economy status. Exports of goods and services account for 41.6% of GDP in 2024, while imports share 40.9%, indicating a near‑balanced external trade position and a specialization in diversified, value‑added goods and services. The country’s external position is complemented by modest but positive net foreign direct investment inflows at 0.661% of GDP in 2024, signaling continued investor confidence in Finland’s innovation ecosystem and stable governance. The logistics and transport sector is well developed, with a Logistics Performance Index rating of 4.2 on a 1–5 scale (rank 4), reflecting efficient trade and transport networks that support export competitiveness. Finland also records strong activity in intellectual property and R&D; patent applications by residents reached 1,557 in 2021 (rank 23), indicating a healthy pipeline of ideas and potential commercialization. The framework for trade and investment is further reinforced by a robust macro environment: inflation is low, the current account is near balance, and government effectiveness and regulatory quality place Finland among the world’s most favorable environments for doing business. Overall, this combination of stable macro conditions, open trade, strong logistics, and a strong innovation pipeline positions Finland to expand its exports of high‑tech products and services while maintaining healthy import channels and prudent capital flows.

Governance and Institutions

Finland’s governance and institutional framework is characterized by high legitimacy, strong rule of law, and effective public governance. The Rule of Law score is 1.97 (rank 1), and the Control of Corruption score is 2.22 (rank 2), signaling one of the world’s most trusted and transparent governance environments. Regulatory quality stands at 1.77 (rank 8), indicating a regulatory system that supports competition, innovation, and efficient public administration. Government effectiveness is 1.74 (rank 7), reflecting reliable public services and capable policy implementation. Political stability and absence of violence/terrorism shows a value of 0.714 (rank 52), suggesting a relatively stable political climate with some variability by context or time, but generally low political risk. Finland’s governance framework aligns with sustainable and predictable policy environments that foster long‑term planning, with strong institutions that enforce contracts, protect property rights, and combat corruption. Taken together, these indicators illustrate a country with excellent governance credentials, a low tolerance for corruption, predictable regulatory processes, and trusted public institutions that support business, innovation, and citizen well‑being.

Infrastructure and Technology

Finland demonstrates advanced infrastructure depth and a strong technology orientation. Internet penetration is remarkably high, with 93.5% of the population using the Internet in 2023 (rank 25), enabling widespread digital services, e‑governance, and digital health and education platforms. The country also emphasizes research and development, with R&D expenditure at 2.96% of GDP in 2022 (rank 9), underscoring a deep commitment to knowledge creation and technological progress. The high‑technology sector is visible in the value and impact of high‑tech exports (3.29–5.29 billion USD in available data) and resident patent activity (1,557 patents in 2021, rank 23). The efficiency of logistics and transport infrastructure supports global trade and mobility, with a Logistics Performance Index rating of 4.2 (rank 4). Finland’s health and scientific workforce is strong: physicians per 1,000 people are 4.38 (rank 13), reinforcing the capability of a high‑quality health system and advanced care. Domestic health expenditure per capita at PPP is 4,943 international dollars (rank 18), and current health expenditure is 9.66% of GDP (rank 34), underscoring a well‑financed health sector that benefits from an educated population, robust innovation, and digital connectivity. Collectively, these indicators reveal a high‑functioning infrastructure backbone and a vibrant technology ecosystem that supports productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.

Environment and Sustainability

Finland exhibits a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action, underpinned by a substantial share of renewable energy and low‑carbon innovation. Renewable energy consumption accounts for 50.2% of total final energy consumption (2021, rank 45), signaling a transition toward cleaner energy and reduced fossil fuel dependence. The country’s per‑capita greenhouse gas emissions are relatively high by some peers at 7.78 t CO2e per person (rank 51) but should be interpreted in the context of a highly developed economy with significant steel, machinery, and forestry sectors, alongside energy and transport dynamics. Water resources show moderate stress, with water withdrawal for freshwater use at 7.11% of availability (rank 109), indicating prudent water management and capacity to balance supply and demand. Finland’s environmental performance is also shaped by its science‑based approach to policy and its ability to integrate green technologies into industry, housing, and transport. While specific LULUCF (land use, land use change, and forestry) accounting is not detailed here, Finland’s large forest base supports carbon sequestration and sustainable biomass usage as part of a broader decarbonization strategy. In sum, Finland combines a high level of renewable energy deployment with measured emissions and resource management, suggesting a path toward sustainable growth anchored in technology, regulation, and innovation.