Finland announced that it will place a key NATO base less than 200 kilometres (125 miles) from its eastern border with Russia

About Finland

• Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. 
• It shares borders with Norway to the north, Sweden to the northwest, Russia to the east, and the Gulf of Bothnia to the west and the Gulf of Finland to its south.

Key Features of Finland

• Geography: 
  • Finland is known for its vast number of lakes, estimated to be around 188,000. It also has extensive forests, covering more than 70% of its land area. 
  • The northern part of the country, Lapland, features hilly terrain and mountains.
• History: Finland gained independence from the Russian Empire in 1917. It has a rich history and cultural heritage.
• Autonomous Territory: The Åland Islands, an archipelago located at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia, is an autonomous territory of Finland.
• Biodiversity: Finland is home to the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, found in the Saimaa lake system.

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About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

• Collective Security Alliance: NATO is a transatlantic security alliance composed of thirty-two member countries.
• Established in: It was established in 1949 with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, also called as Washington Treaty.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

Objectives Of NATO

• Cooperation: To provide a unique link between these transatlantic countries, enabling them to consult and cooperate on political and military issues.
• Limiting threat: To counter the threat of the erstwhile Soviet Union’s possible expansion attempts in Europe.

Underlying Principle

• Principle of collective defence: NATO is committed to the principle that an attack against one or several of its members is considered an attack against all.
  • Article 5 of the Washington Treaty states that an attack against one Ally is an attack against all. This article forms the core of the Alliance, a promise of collective defense.
• Membership criteria: NATO membership is open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.”
• Member Countries: As of 2024, NATO has 32 member countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European countries.
  • Recent additions include Finland and Sweden.

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