snigel50plus

A difference between Sweden and Finland that has taken some time to realize is the relationship individual people have with the other country. I would say that most Swedish people, at least from my side of the country, have not been to Finland and do not know much about the country. Here it is difficult to find someone who has not been to Sweden and you constantly hear things about Sweden.Usually in a context where Sweden is given a high status and Finland lower one. I find it wierd. Yes, Finland is smaller but why would not the countries be equal? Maybe history explains it to some extent. Finland has been independent for less than 100 years. First ruled by Sweden then by Russia. Having Russia as a neighboring country has at least in the past reflected the Finnish way of living. Speaking of that military service is still mandatory here while it has been removed in Sweden.