12th
Century |
Swedish rule gradually established over the scattered tribes of western and
southern Finland, while Novgorod (medieval Russia) dominates the eastern territory Karelia.
|
| 1323 |
Peace treaty officially divides Finland between Sweden and Novgorod.
|
| 1548 |
The New Testament is translated into Finnish, the first time the language appears
in print. Swedish remains the language of administration, business and law.
|
| 1807 |
Sweden surrenders Finland after war with Russia.
|
| 1809 |
The Czar declares Finland a semi-autonomous Grand Duchy with himself
as constitutional monarch.
|
| 1835 |
Publication of the Kalevala, an epic poem based on traditional folk songs.
It becomes the cornerstone of Finnish national identity.
|
| 1863 |
Finnish becomes an official administrative language.
|
| 1899 |
Jean Sibelius composes 'Finlandia', which becomes a symbol of Finland's struggle
for independence from Russia
|
| 1906 |
Finnish women are the first in Europe to gain the vote, and the first in the world
to be eligible for election.
|
| 1917 |
Independence from Russia.
|
| 1939 |
Soviet Union attacks Finland. The 'Winter War' ends in 1940, with a treaty giving
south-eastern territories to Russia.
|
| 1941-4 |
'The Continuation War'. Finland joins the German attack on Soviet Union.
|
| 1952 |
Hosts the Olympic Games.
|
| 1955 |
Joins the United Nations.
|
| 1995 |
Becomes a member of the European Union.
|
| 2000 |
The first female president, Tarja Halonen, is elected. |
