Introduction
The borders of Finland define its territorial boundaries with neighbouring countries, specifically Norway, Sweden, and Russia. The total length of these borders—comprising land and rivers—measures approximately 2,563 kilometers (1,593 miles). The intricate history of these borders is shaped by treaties, historical conflicts, and the socio-political dynamics that have evolved over centuries. This article explores the borders of Finland in detail, examining each neighbour’s border, historical contexts, and contemporary implications.
Norway–Finland Border
The border between Norway and Finland stretches for 736 kilometers (457 miles) and constitutes both land and river boundaries. It features two significant tripoints: the western tripoint at Treriksröset, where Norway meets Sweden, and the eastern tripoint at Treriksrøysa, where Norway borders Russia. The establishment of this border was formalized through a treaty signed in 1751, which also delineated the Swedish–Norwegian border.
Prior to this treaty, extensive field investigations and negotiations were conducted from 1738 to 1751 to clarify the boundaries. The Finnish section required less negotiation compared to the other sections. Cairns were erected along the border’s path, culminating with one at Nesseby in 1766. Over time, the border underwent changes; notably, in 1816 a treaty with Russia established the easternmost segment of the boundary.
From 1920 until 1944, Finland controlled the Petsamo area, thereby extending its border with Norway to include access to the Arctic Ocean. Significant provisions within the original treaty granted the indigenous Sami people permission to cross the border freely with their reindeer herds. However, a closure of this border occurred in 1852 due to political tensions, disrupting traditional Sami practices that relied on crossing into Finland for winter grazing. Today, as both countries are part of the Schengen Area, crossing between them is relatively straightforward; individuals can traverse the border without customs declarations or passport checks. A clear-cut zone spanning eight meters (26 feet) accompanies much of this border, with nearly half following the Anarjohka and Tana rivers.
Russia–Finland Border
The relationship between Finland and Russia has been historically complex and fraught with conflict. The year 1917 marked a turning point for Finnish independence from Russian rule, leading to a new era in foreign relations and trade patterns that increasingly distanced Finland from Russia. Prior to this shift, around one-third of Finnish exports were directed towards Russia; however, this figure diminished to below five percent shortly thereafter.
As tensions escalated leading up to World War II, Finland found itself negotiating territorial concessions with the Soviet Union. In October 1939, during negotiations that ultimately failed, the Soviets demanded territory including a naval base on the Gulf of Finland. In exchange for these concessions, they proposed ceding approximately 8,800 square kilometers of Karelia to Finland—a proposal that was ultimately rejected by Finnish authorities. This rejection ignited hostilities on November 30, 1939, marking the onset of the Winter War.
The conflict concluded in March 1940 with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty. As a result of this agreement, Finland ceded over 10% of its pre-war territory to Russia—including key industrial regions and cities like Viipuri—and resulted in significant population displacement as roughly 12% of Finns relocated behind newly established borders.
Following World War II and further hostilities in Eastern Karelia, the 1940 border was reaffirmed by subsequent treaties such as the Treaty of Paris in 1947. A notable development occurred in 1992 when Finland and Russia entered into a ‘neighboring area cooperation’ agreement that fostered cross-border initiatives and increased interaction between citizens of both nations. By 1996, Russian tourism into Finland had surged dramatically—from just 9,000 visits before 1991 to over 170,000 visits annually.
Sweden–Finland Border
The historical interactions between Sweden and Russia have significantly shaped Finland’s borders over time. Clashes between these two powers often took place on Finnish soil throughout several centuries. The Treaty of Teusina in 1595 marked an important moment by concluding a prolonged conflict known as the Long Wrath between Sweden and Russia. This treaty resulted in considerable territorial adjustments that expanded Swedish influence eastward into Finnish territories.
Further territorial modifications were enacted under the Treaty of Stolbovo in 1617 when Sweden gained control over vast areas previously held by Russia southeast of Finland. These changes contributed to Sweden’s emergence as one of Europe’s largest nations at that time.
The current Finnish–Swedish border was established through the Treaty of Fredrikshamn in 1809 when Sweden ceded Finland to Russian control. While this treaty described the course of borders—including maritime boundaries and river demarcations—future amendments continued to shape their precise paths. Notably, adjustments made in subsequent years led to unique situations involving sovereignty islands where ownership diverged from geographic placement.
The island of Märket serves as an interesting case study regarding boundary agreements; it was divided legally between Sweden and Finland in various treaties throughout the early twentieth century. It was determined that a lighthouse placed on Märket would remain under Finnish operation despite being located on Swedish territory.
Sea Borders
Finland’s maritime borders also play an essential role in its international relations and trade activities. Various ports across these sea borders necessitate border controls for vessels arriving from non-Schengen countries. Key locations for such controls include Santio, Haapasaari, Helsinki, Hanko, Åland Islands, as well as entry points along the Saimaa Canal.
While land border controls are primarily focused on the Russian frontier—given its historical context—the only permanent border control at airports occurs at Helsinki Airport. However, occasional checks may be instituted for charter flights operating from other airports within Finland.
Conclusion
The borders of Finland encapsulate a rich tapestry woven from historical events that have defined its relationships with Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Each neighbouring country’s boundary has been shaped by treaties reflecting geopolitical changes throughout history while facilitating cross-border cooperation today. The evolution from strict boundaries toward more open interactions illustrates not only shifts in political landscapes but also highlights cultural relationships among these Nordic nations.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).