It guarantees a sense of national belonging regardless of political, ethnic or religious background. Tending national unity is particularly important when great changes or conflicts are faced by the nation.
Unity is needed for restoring a peaceful life after a violent conflict.
The history of my own country, Finland, is a good example of this. In developing national unity, a nation's fundamental values need to be considered as well. Although modern nations aim for religious neutrality, the religious values embraced by the majority are central to the life of the entire society. People often find in religion the answers to essential questions regarding life, death, human value and the meaning of living together. Religion can be a destructive factor as well.