Finland

Finland joined the EU in 1995, and in so doing, broke decades of relative economic isolation and dependence on the East. In four years only, the country was ready to enter the final round of discussions for joining the monetary union and on January 1st 2002, Finland adopted the EURO, along with 11 other EU member nations. It was the first Nordic country to do so.

For many decades, Finland’s economy was dependent on the country’s rich natural resources, such as forestry and iron ore, but entry into the EU allowed the government to focus on building up a strong IT sector.

Today Finland’s population is amongst the richest in Europe with multinationals such as Kone and telecoms giant Nokia playing significant roles.