Independence Day of the Republic of Finland

DECEMBER 6 is a national public holiday in Finland. The day commemorates the declaration of Finland’s independence from the Russian Democratic Federative Republic in 1917.

Finland, a member of the European Union, is the second largest Nordic country — with a population of more than 5.5 million people. With the Gulf of Finland in the south and the Gulf of Bothnia in the west, Finland is bordered by Sweden in the northwest, by Norway in the north, and by Russia in the east. Its capital is Helsinki, one of northern Europe major cities and the seat of Finland’s major political, educational, cultural, financial, and research centers.

The country tops continuously the international comparisons of national performance. In 2018, Finland was noted as the “Most Stable Country in the World” (The Fund for Peace, Fragile States Index 2018), the “Freest Country in the World together with Sweden and Norway” (Freedom House, Freedom in the World 2018), and the “Happiest Country in the World” (Sustainable Development Solutions Network, World Happiness Report 2018).

The Independence Day celebration begins with a flag-raising ceremony on Observatory Hill in Helsinki. The Finnish people take part in torchlight processions close to the main church of their town or visit war memorials. Window sills are adorned with flickering lights of the blue-white candles until the flag displayed on public buildings are lowered at dusk.

Diplomatic relations between Finland and the Philippines were formally established on July 14, 1955. In 1980 Finland opened an Embassy in Manila. Eight agreements have been signed by the two countries. Five rounds of bilateral consultations between the Philippines and Finland have taken place. In June 2015, the two countries celebrated 60 years of warm and friendly relations.

We greet the people and government of the Republic of Finland, led by President Sauli Niinistö on the occasion of its 101st Independence Day celebration.