The book of the professor of history at the University of Helsinki H. Meinander sets out the history of Finland from ancient times to the present day, the path of gaining national identity and statehood. In the field of view of the author - the socio-economic, political and cultural development of the country in contradictory interaction with the social development of other parts of the Baltic region, Europe and the world as a whole. Particular attention is also paid to modern Finland by its membership in the European Union. The book aroused great interest in the countries of Northern Europe and will undoubtedly attract the attention of the Russian reader.