A network of airports links the various parts of Finland. The state-owned Finnair, an international airline, serves mainly Europe and the United States. Radio and television broadcasting, also state-controlled, is extensive. Television service began in 1958, and the state has operated radio broadcasting since 1934. There are 60 daily newspapers published, some of which are printed in Swedish.
Education is state-supported in Finland.
Schooling is required from ages 7 to 15 and is free. Instruction for all students is standard. Virtually 100 percent of the people are literate. The University of Helsinki, founded in Turku in 1640 and transferred to Helsinki in 1828, is the principal university of the nation's 20 institutions of higher education. Government Finland has been a republic with a government based on a constitution since July 17, 1919.