Finland, a Nordic country in Northern Europe known for its vast boreal forests and over 180,000 lakes, boasts a history significantly influenced by its neighbors. After centuries as part of Sweden, it became an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian Empire in 1809, a period that fostered its unique national identity and an independence movement. Following the Russian Revolution, Finland declared independence in 1917 and, despite territorial losses after World War II conflicts like the Winter War against the Soviet Union, it successfully maintained its democracy. Notably, Finland was the first country in Europe to grant universal suffrage in 1906 and has since developed into an advanced Nordic welfare state, consistently ranking high in global happiness and prosperity. Embracing international cooperation, Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and, after decades of neutrality, became a NATO member in 2023, marking a major shift in its foreign policy.