Introduction to Foreign Atlases: Finland Atlas

Summary

Finland was among the first countries to compile a national atlas, with its initial edition in 1899 setting a global precedent. This article examines the 1960 edition, compiled by the Geographical Society of Finland and the Department of Geography at the University of Helsinki. The atlas comprises 39 double-page plates containing 415 maps, covering physical, human, and regional topics. It excels in physiographic, glacial deposit, climatic, and forest maps, as well as socio-economic maps of population, agriculture, and industry. The 1960 edition, accompanied by a 1962 English manual, is notable for its systematic content and advanced cartographic methods, serving as a key reference for regional studies.