Finland
Political overview
The Republic of Finland is a parliamentary democracy with a republican constitution. Most executive power lies in the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. The President must approve laws and is also Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is elected by direct popular vote for a six-year term. No person may serve more than two consecutive terms as President.
The unicameral parliament has 200 members directly elected from 13 constituencies every four years. In addition to enacting legislation and approving the budget, Parliament elects the Prime Minister, oversees the Government and ratifies international treaties.
Foreign policy
The abstract to Finland’s 2024 Government report on Finnish foreign and security policy describes it as “founded on value-based realism. Its goal is to safeguard Finland’s independence and territorial integrity, to avoid becoming involved in a military conflict and to improve the security and well-being of the people of Finland. Our activities are founded on democracy, the rule of law, human rights, equality and non-discrimination.” It commits Finland to “strongly support Ukraine" and “to strengthen international law and the rules-based international system”.
Finland became a member of United Nations in 1955, the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 1973, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 1969, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 1995, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 2023. Finland joined the European Union In 1995, including the Schengen area in 1996 and the Eurozone in 1999.
Bilateral relations
Australia and Finland established diplomatic relations in 1949 and share warm bilateral relations, underpinned by strong people-to-people links through the Finnish community in Australia. The 1920s and 1950s saw the main migration waves from Finland to Australia.
Australia and Finland share a commitment to democratic values, human rights, gender equality, green transition, disarmament, strengthening internationally agreed rules and norms and trade liberalisation. In Finland’s 2024 Government Report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy, Australia is one of three non-NATO countries outside of Europe which Finland has prioritised to deepen its relations (the others are South Korea and Japan) by enhancing political dialogue and developing cooperation in the fields of security policy, defence, trade, technology and research.
Finland has an embassy in Canberra and consulates in all states and the Northern Territory.
Fast facts
- Finnish visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals - 2023) – 11,130
- Australian visitors to Finland (resident returns - 2023) – 9,630
- Resident Australian population born in Finland (2021 census) – 7,711
- Australian residents of Finnish descent (2021 census) – 24,144
High level engagement
- 2022 – Then Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin visited Australia accompanied by then Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Ville Skinnari. Prime Minister Marin met with Prime Minister Albanese and they released a Joint Statement.
Agreements with Finland
- Social Security (2009)
- Double Taxation (2007)
- Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (1994)
- Agreement on Medical Treatment for Temporary Visitors (1993)
- Extradition (1985)
- Transfer of Nuclear Material (1980)
Texts of bilateral agreements are available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Stockholm is responsible for Finland.
The Australian Embassy in Sweden actively promotes Australian culture, creativity, and artistic excellence in Finland.
Economic diplomacy
In 2023, Australia's two-way goods and services trade with Finland was valued at $2.1 billion. Australia’s major exports to Finland that year were dominated by resources including copper ores and concentrates, precious metal ores and concentrates, and coal. Imports from Finland mainly comprised civil engineering equipment and parts, goods vehicles, paper and paperboard, specialised machinery and parts and measuring and analysing instruments.
The investment relationship is growing. The stock of Australian investment in Finland was valued at $6 billion in 2023, while Finnish investment in Australia was valued at $1 billion.
Australia continues to seek opportunities to promote Australian business and raise awareness of potential benefits of increased trade and investment between Australia and Europe, including Finland.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Finland economic and trade fact sheet [PDF].
Business
Austrade’s Stockholm Office Many Finnish companies have business interests in Australia including Nokia (telecommunications), Fiskars (consumer goods), Kalmar Global (cargo handling), KONE (lifts/escalators), Lappset (playground equipment), Metso (industrial machinery), Stora Enso (wood products), Wärtsilä (energy and marine equipment), Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions and IQM (quantum). Finland has expertise in green transition and the circular economy and seeks to be carbon neutral by 2035.
Australian investment in Finland is concentrated in a few sectors, such as mining and renewable energy. Investors include Macquarie and Jervois Global.
For more information on doing business in Finland, see Austrade’s website.
Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Stockholm is responsible for relations with Finland. Australia maintains a consulate in Helsinki, headed by an Honorary Consul.
Travel
See Smartraveller for Information on travelling to Finland.