Finland

More information about Finland is available on the Finland Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-FINLAND RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Finland in 1919, following its 1917 declaration of independence from the Russian Empire. The United States severed diplomatic relations with Finland in 1944 during World War II, due to Finland's alliance with Nazi Germany. U.S.-Finland diplomatic relations were reestablished in 1945. Finland is bordered on the east by Russia and, as one of the former Soviet Union's neighbors, was of particular interest and importance to the United States both during the Cold War and in its aftermath. Before the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, longstanding U.S. policy was to support Finnish neutrality while maintaining and reinforcing Finland's historic, cultural, and economic ties with the West.

The United States and Finland have enjoyed an enduring partnership and friendship. Finland has contributed to the advancement of technology and research, promotion of international economic development, and the defense of human rights and peace. The United States has welcomed Finland's integration into Western economic and political structures. In 1994, Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace program. It became a full member of the European Union (EU) in 1995 and joined the EU's Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.

U.S. Assistance to Finland

The United States provides no development assistance to Finland.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Finland welcomes foreign investment. Areas of particular interest for U.S. investors are specialized high-tech companies and investments that take advantage of Finland's position as a gateway to Russia and the Baltic countries. Exports from the United States to Finland include machinery, telecommunications equipment and parts, metalliferous ores, road vehicles and transport equipment, computers, peripherals and software, electronic components, chemicals, medical equipment, and some agricultural products. Imports from Finland to the United States include electronics, machinery, ships and boats, paper and paperboard, refined petroleum products, and telecommunications equipment and parts. Finland participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Finland is a member of the European Union. The U.S. economic relationship with the EU is the largest and most complex in the world, and the United States and the EU continue to pursue initiatives to create new opportunities for transatlantic commerce.

Finland's Membership in International Organizations

Finland and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Finland also is an observer to the Organization of American States and a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace program.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Finland is Bruce J. Oreck; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Finland maintains an embassy in the United States at 3301 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel: 202-298-5800.

More information about Finland is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Finland Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Finland Page
U.S. Embassy: Finland
History of U.S. Relations With Finland
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information