Is Lapland a country?
Lapland conjures up images of vast snowfields, magical northern lights and encounters with reindeer. But if you've ever wondered whether Lapland is a country, you're not alone. However, the answer isn't as simple as yes or no. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what exactly Lapland is, where it is and why it's such a special place.
Where is Lapland on the map?
Lapland is not a country in the traditional sense. Rather, it's a region that stretches across several northern European countries. If you look at the map, you'll see that Lapland stretches across the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. The region begins just above the Arctic Circle and extends as far north as the Barents Sea.
The region is known for its unique landscapes, which range from dense forests and lakes to barren tundra and mountainous areas. Although not a country, Lapland has a strong cultural and geographical identity that sets it apart from the rest of the world.
Lapland: which countries are part of it?
As mentioned above, Lapland covers parts of four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Each of these countries has its own part of Lapland, but the region is often considered as a whole due to its shared history, culture and natural features.
In Norway, Lapland covers the northernmost part, known as Finnmark. In Sweden, it covers the provinces of Norrbotten and Västerbotten. In Finland, Lapland covers almost a third of the country and is an official province known as "Lapland". In Russia, Lapland is located on the Kola Peninsula.
Why is Lapland called Lapland?
The name "Lapland" comes from the word "Lappen", an ancient term used to describe the indigenous Sami people. Although today the term "Lappen" is considered obsolete and sometimes even offensive, the name "Lapland" is still used to refer to the region. The Sámi, the original inhabitants of Lapland, have their own language, culture and traditions, and have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. The name "Lapland" therefore reflects not only a geographical location, but also a rich cultural heritage deeply linked to the landscape.
Lapland, a region of infinite possibilities
Although Lapland is not an independent country, many consider it a world unto itself. The region is known for its extreme seasonal changes, with summers where the sun never sets and winters where darkness almost totally dominates. These conditions make Lapland one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights.
Lapland is also a popular destination for winter vacations. Here you can enjoy activities such as dog sledding, snowmobile rides and, of course, a visit to Santa's village. Discover 8 unique experiences in Lapland.
Conclusion: is Lapland a country?
Lapland is not a country in the political or geographical sense, but a region with a unique identity that spans several countries. It's a place of unrivalled natural beauty, rich culture and ancient traditions. Whether you're looking for wilderness adventures or a glimpse of the northern lights, Lapland offers an experience like no other in the world.
Would you like to receive a proposal for a trip to Lapland tailored to your budget and interests? Then contact us here. Curious about our examples of trips to Lapland? Discover Finnish Lapland or Swedish Lapland here.
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