Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Finland's own indigenous people, the Sámi, have been afforded greater recognition in
the last 50 years, with the establishment of a Finnish Sámi parliament and the enshrine-
ment of their languages in regional laws. However, disputes between reindeer herders and
forestry firms in the north have ignited debate as to whether Sámi interests continue to
come second to those of the country's timber industry.
Despite the challenges ahead, Finland can feel just a wee bit pleased with itself. For a
cold and remote, sparsely populated forest nation, it's done rather well.
