Finns
overview
Finns are the second largest of Finno-Ugric peoples - approximately 5 million people are living mostly in the Republic of Finland.
The Finnish language belongs to the Finnish group of the Uralic languages. The languages of Karelian, Estonian, Votian and Ingrian are very close to the Finnish language.
In the 16th century the base for Finnish language religious education was established (before that Swedish was used). In 1863 the Finnish language became the official language of Finland. As of today Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish.
Finns have been in contact with the eastern Finno-Ugric peoples starting from the 19th century - the interest lies mainly in united ethnic inheritance and culture. Starting from 1991 the kindred nations day 'sukukansapäiva' is celebrated each year.
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