Finland is part of the European continent. The image on the right shows a map of Europe. You can find Finland near the top of the map, distinguishable by its blue and white flag. 

Finland shares its borders with three different nations: Sweden (yellow and blue flag), Norway (red flag with a blue and white cross) and Russia (the large country on the right side of the map with a white, blue and red flag). 

On the southern side of the Gulf of Finland, we find Estonia (a small nation with a blue, black and white flag). 

Previously, Finland has been a part both of Sweden and Russia. Finland became an independent nation over one hundred years ago, in 1917. Since then, Finland has had its own president and government.

The region of Åland is autonomous, which means that it has its own government. Despite this, it is still a part of Finland. 

Use the interactive map below to locate Finland and its neighbouring countries: Sweden, Norway, Russia and Estonia.