Understanding the Finnish Population Demographics
Finland, also known as the land of the midnight sun, is a beautiful country in northern Europe bordered by Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. The population of Finland as of December 2021 is estimated to be around 5.5 million people.
Finland is known for its high standard of living, education system, and innovation. But what exactly are the demographics of the Finnish population? In this article, we will take a closer look at the different aspects of the Finnish population demographics.
Population Growth
Finland’s population growth has been relatively slow compared to other European countries. The population has increased steadily over the years but at a slower pace. In 2020, the population grew by 0.2%, which is a slight increase from the previous year. The population density in Finland is 18 people per square kilometer.
Gender and Age Distribution
The gender distribution in Finland is balanced, with a slightly higher number of women than men. According to the 2020 statistics, there were around 2.75 million women and 2.72 million men.
The age distribution in Finland is also a significant factor in the population demographics. The population is relatively young, with around 16% of the population under the age of 15, and 19% aged 65 and older. The median age in Finland is around 42 years.
Ethnicity and Language
Finland has a homogenous population composed mainly of Finnish and Swedish-speaking people. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, and Sami is also recognized in some regions. Finnish is the mother tongue for around 87% of the population, while Swedish is the mother tongue for around 5.3%.
The Sami people, who live mostly in the northern part of Finland, have their own language and culture. There are around 10,000 Sami people in Finland. Other ethnic minorities in Finland include Russians, Estonians, and Somalis.
Education and Occupation
Finland is known for having one of the best education systems globally, and it reflects in the high literacy rate among the population. The education system is free and mandatory for children aged 7-16, and it’s highly encouraged to continue education after that. The majority of the population has completed upper-secondary education and beyond.
The employment rate in Finland is relatively high compared to other European countries, with around 73% of the population being employed. The most common occupations in Finland are professionals, technicians, and associate professionals.
FAQs
Q: What is the total population of Finland?
A: As of December 2021, the estimated population of Finland is around 5.5 million people.
Q: What is the gender distribution in Finland?
A: The gender distribution in Finland is relatively balanced, with a slightly higher number of women than men.
Q: What is the ethnic composition of Finland?
A: The population of Finland is primarily composed of Finnish and Swedish-speaking people. The Sami people form a small part of the population.
Q: What is the official language in Finland?
A: The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish.
Q: What is the literacy rate in Finland?
A: The literacy rate in Finland is high, with over 99% of the population being able to read and write.
Q: What are the most common occupations in Finland?
A: The most common occupations in Finland are professionals, technicians, and associate professionals.
Conclusion
Finland has a relatively small population but with high standards of living and education. The age distribution is relatively young and well-educated with a balanced gender distribution. The homogenous population is mainly composed of Finnish and Swedish-speaking people, with Sami being recognized in some regions. Understanding the population demographics in Finland is vital for policymakers and anyone planning to visit or do business in the country.