Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It shares borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, while its western and southern coasts are defined by the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, respectively. The country's geography is characterized by vast boreal forests, numerous lakes, and a generally temperate climate. The population, estimated at over 5.5 million, is predominantly Finnish, with Swedish serving as a significant minority language. Helsinki serves as the capital and largest urban center, anchoring a nation with a strong emphasis on technology, education, and environmental sustainability.