The countryside remains a vital part of Finland in both cultural and socio-economic terms. It produces local food, timber and other essential products and services for Finnish society. It is essential to ensure that Finland’s rural areas continue to be attractive places to live and work.

Finland is one of the most rural countries in the EU. About 27% of the population, almost 1.5 million people, still live in the countryside today, although increasing numbers of people are choosing to live in the countryside but travel to work in urban areas in other localities.

The countryside also provides settings for many leisure activities. People come from urban centres to the countryside to enjoy its natural settings or simply the peace and quiet it can offer. But to attract such visitors the countryside must remain viable.

Rural livelihoods are becoming increasingly diverse. Farming has a central role in some rural areas and continues to shape rural landscapes. Other vital economic activities include the production of timber and wood products, foodstuffs processing, rural tourism, handicrafts and the provision of local services.

Further information:

Head of Unit
Esko Juvonen
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

PO Box 30

FIN 00023 GOVERNMENT, Finland

Tel. +358 295 162 240
E-mail: firstname.lastname@mmm.fi