Conclusion:

Whilst the present-day image of Finland functions with catchwords such as modern industrial and Scandinavian welfare state, global player and “master of education”, outside the country the traditional image of Finland as a country of nature-loving people, “land of 1000 lakes” and a certain Lapland exoticism still strongly prevails. The most famous Finn of all times is probably still the runner Paavo Nurmi. Part of the traditional self-image is still a national pride as a sporting nation amongst other things, a nation of scientists and musicians that not only produced Sibelius but above all is an autonomous nation that has preserved its independence.