The Finnish Border Guard is the agency responsible for enforcing the security of Finland's borders. It is a military organisation, subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior in administrative issues and to the president of Finland in issues pertaining to his authority as Commander-in-Chief. The agency has police and investigative powers in immigration matters and can independently investigate immigration violations. The Finnish Coast Guard has search and rescue (SAR) duties, both maritime and inland. Missions inland are often carried out in co-operation with local fire and rescue departments or other authorities.
Finnish Border Guard on patrol with a dog
Patrol vessel Turva
Hovercraft IA-202
Patrol boat PV 281
The president of the Republic of Finland is the head of state of Finland. The incumbent president is Alexander Stubb, since 1 March 2024. He was elected president for the first time in 2024.
President of Finland
Newly sworn President Martti Ahtisaari (2nd left) inspects the company of honor with outgoing President Koivisto (c.), followed by others, c. 1994
New President Sauli Niinistö (rt.) and outgoing President Halonen (2nd rt.) accompanied by military leaders, inspect the company of honor, c. 2012
Mauno Koivisto with President Ronald Reagan during a trip to Finland