Suomen Kartasto, 1960, Atlas of Finland, 1960/1962

Summary

This review assesses the fourth edition of the Atlas of Finland (1960), published by the Finnish Geographical Society, which pioneered the national atlas format in 1899. The atlas comprises 421 maps and an accompanying text volume, with legends in Finnish, English and sometimes Swedish. It covers physical geography, population, agriculture, industry, commerce, transportation, and regional divisions. The reviewer notes that the maps show major advances in Finnish cartography, such as detailed topographic coverage, and illustrate profound postwar changes: population concentration and aging in the south, northern growth, agricultural restructuring, and expansion of mechanical and electrical industries. The work is praised for its comprehensive information, effective use of color, and concise English commentaries. It represents a continuation of Finland’s tradition of national self-representation and remains a valuable reference for geography.