Lapland

It is something magical about the word Lapland. A place for discover the wilderness where mountains and rivers are still untouched by mankind.

So what is Lapland more than a place to go dog sledding?

Lapland, (also Sápmi), is the area traditionally inhabited by the Sami people. It is located in Northern Europe and includes the northern parts of Scandinavia and Finland with the Kola peninsula in Russia. Only a minority part of the Sami group is working with reindeer herding. Lapland demonstrates a distinct semi-national identity that transcends the borders between Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. However, there is no movement for complete autonomy.

Today's "border" originates from the 14-16th century when land-owning conflicts occurred. The establishment of more stable dwelling places and larger towns originates from 16th century, and was performed due to strategical defence and economical reasons, both by peoples from Sami groups themselves and more southern immigrants.

You might have heard the word Laponia, or Lappland. This was a historical province in the extreme north of Sweden. In 1809 it was split into a Swedish western part and a Finnish eastern part.

The arctic circle goes though Lapland and gives the place the short days in the winter and long days in the Summer.

Sápmi

Sápmi is the name in the Sami languages and usually used in official context to denote Sami rights, while the name Lapland is the common English spelling of the Swedish The name traditionally used in Latin is Fenni, but since 13th century Laponia has replaced this word. The choice of words for the people and language is becoming a matter of political correctness, but provinces and counties still carry the old ("lap") names.