Land use planning in rural areas

In Europe, Finland is one of largest countries in terms of surface area. It is also among the most rural and sparsely populated countries. Built-up areas constitute less than 5% of Finland’s area. More than 90% of the country is covered by forest, water bodies and fields.

The agriculture and forestry administration participates in land use planning and the related statute drafting and development efforts concerning its areas of responsibility. In collaboration with other operators, the Ministry develops land use guidelines for its administrative branch to ensure that agriculture and forestry, rural development and hydraulic engineering, rural landscapes and the rural environment are taken into account in land use plans in a sustainable manner.