a republic in N Europe, on the Baltic Sea: ceded to Russia by Sweden in 1809; gained independence in 1917; Soviet invasion successfully withstood in 1939–40, with the loss of Karelia; a member of the European Union. It is generally low-lying, with about 50 000 lakes, extensive forests, and peat bogs. Official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Religion: Christian, Lutheran majority. Currency: euro. Capital: Helsinki. Pop: 5 523 231 (2017 est). Area: 337 000 sq km (130 120 sq miles)
Finnish name: Suomi
2. Gulf of Finland
Finland in American English
(ˈfɪnlənd)
1.
country in N Europe, northeast of the Baltic Sea: 130,547 sq mi (338,115 sq km); pop. 5,078,000; cap. Helsinki: Finn. name Suomi
2.
Gulf ofarm of the Baltic Sea, south of Finland: c. 250 mi (402 km) long