1. finland a grand-duchy forming the NW. corner of Russia; was ceded by the Swedes in 1809, but still retains an independentadministration. The coast-line is deeply indented, and fringed with small islands; the interior, chiefly elevated plateau, consists largely of forest land, and is well furnished with lakes, many of which are united by canals, one 36 m. connecting Lake Saima with the Gulf of Finland. Various cereals (barley, oats, &c.) are grown, and there is a varied and valuable fauna; fishing is an extensive industry, and no less than 80 kinds of fish are found in the rivers, lakes, and coastwaters. The country is divided into eight counties, and is governed by a Senate and Diet, the reigning Russianemperorholdingrank as grand-duke; education is highly advanced; Swedish and Finnish are the two languages of the country, Russianbeing practically unknown. There is an excellent Saga literature, and the beginnings of a modernliterature. The Finns came under the dominion of the Swedes in the 12th and 13th centuries, and were by them Christianised.
Definitions of finland 
