The amount of Finnish forests can be measured either in surface area or in the amount of wood in the forests. When forests are old and their trees are thick, their wood resources are large. Finland is a nation rich in forest wood resources, although human habitation, agriculture and construction have decreased the surface areas of forests significantly. The amount and quality of forestry also influences the nation's wood resources. Wood from Finnish forests is used mainly as a raw material in industrial production.

Trees will continue to provide important raw materials in the future, as well. In addition to being an important industrial material, wood also continues to be used in construction. It will also grow more important as the demand for various biofuels increases in the future. 

Climate change has a significant effect on Finnish forest ecosystems. However, Finnish forests and their plants are important carbon sinks that help to combat and slow down climate change. This is why forest should be conserved for the future.


The paper industry is a significant part of the Finnish economy.