KARELIA

The Karelians are two related groups of Finnic-language speakers inhabiting both Finland and Russia. Russian Karelians inhabit the Russian Republic of Karelia. The Finnish Karelians inhabit south-eastern Finland. Since the 13th century, both Karelian groups have had different histories, cultures, religions, identities and dialects. Russian Karelians are often considered as Finns, especially by Finnish nationalists. Finnish Karelians are seen as ethnic Finns with a distinct regional identity.

The Karelian language is closely related to the Finnish language, although the variety spoken in East Karelia is considered a proper language.