FACTFILE: The only indigenous Nordic people
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The Sámi are the northernmost indigenous people in Europe, and the only one in the Nordic region.
People are considered to be Sámi if they personally consider themselves Sámi, and if they learn Sámi as their native language, or if at least one parent or grandparent is a native speaker.
Over 40,000 Sámi live in Norway, over 20,000 live in Sweden, the Finnish Sámi population numbers 6,500, and there are 2,000 in Russia.
The Finnish Sámi area is comprised of the municipalities of Utsjoki, Inari, and Enontekiö, as well as the Vuotso region of Sodankylä.
In Finland, the language legislation that took effect in 1992 attempts to secure the official status and use of the Sámi language. Sámi have the right to use their own language when dealing with the authorities.
The traditional colourful Sámi national costume reveals the origins of its bearer.
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 6.2.2005
More on this subject:
 City Sámi gather in Helsinki for National Day
Sámi National Day added to almanac only last year
Helsingin Sanomat
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