Finland under Swedish rule
For several centuries, Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. This long period of shared history shaped Finland’s legal system, administration, language situation, and religion. Many features of modern Finnish society can be traced back to the Swedish era.
When Finland was part of Sweden
Finland became part of the Swedish realm during the Middle Ages, beginning in the 12th and 13th centuries. For roughly 600 years, Finland was governed as an eastern part of Sweden, not as a separate colony.
This period ended in 1809, when Sweden lost Finland to Russia after the Finnish War.
Administration and law
Swedish laws and administrative structures were applied in Finland. Courts, local administration, and taxation followed Swedish models. Peasants were represented in the Swedish parliament (the Riksdag), which was unusual in Europe at the time.
The foundations of the Finnish legal system, including respect for the rule of law, developed during this period.
Language and education
Swedish was the language of administration, law, and higher education. Finnish was widely spoken by the population but had a lower official status.
Over time, Finnish written language developed, especially through religious texts. The Swedish period explains why Finland still has Swedish as an official language today.
Religion and society
Christianity spread to Finland during the Swedish era. After the Reformation, Finland became predominantly Lutheran, following developments in Sweden.
The Lutheran Church played a major role in education, record-keeping, and local community life. Parish records later became important for population administration.
Legacy of the Swedish period
Swedish rule left a lasting legacy in Finland. Legal traditions, administrative practices, and the bilingual nature of the country originate from this time.
Although Finland later became part of Russia and eventually independent, the Swedish period remains a fundamental part of Finnish history and identity.