The book by Professor of History at the University of Helsinki H. Meinander outlines the history of Finland from ancient times to the present day, the path to gaining national identity and statehood. The author’s field of view is the socio-economic, political and cultural development of the country in contradictory interaction with the social development of other parts of the Baltic region, Europe and the world as a whole. Particular attention is also paid to the modern history of Finland and its membership in the European Union. The book has aroused great interest in the Nordic countries and will undoubtedly attract the attention of the Russian reader.

On the cover: Olavinlinna Castle (Olofsborg) in the city of Savonlinna.