Modern Finland

<p> Providing a multifaceted view of modern Finland this book describes its history culture language geography natural history and the mythology of early peoples. Topics include Fenno-Scandia inhabitants and their environment traditional naturalism and modern environmentalism and the salient features of Finnishness including an analysis of the Finnish educational system and gender equality. Finland's art architecture and music are highlighted along with its peace-keeping missions worldwide.</p><p> The country's several ethnic groups and their languages are discussed--the Saami Finns Finland-Swedes Russian-speaking peoples Jews and Gypsies. The author examines Finland's late but rapid development in commerce and industry with a focus on the history of Nokia Corporation which grew from a 19th-century manufacturer of pulpwood and rubber boots to a 21st-century international digital communications company.</p>