ERNA SOLBERG, Norway’s prime minister, piqued the interest of the press worldwide last week. The momentous event happened when she suggested that her government might cede some territory as a birthday gift to Finland, which next year marks a century since it declared independence from Russia.
The land in question is some 15,000 square metres of Halditsohkka, a minor peak of the Halti mountain. Though Halti is not particularly high—it is more than 500 metres shorter than Norway’s 200th-highest peak—its lower spur would instantly become the highest point in Finland. When the border was agreed by treaty in 1751, a straight line was cut along the side of the range, depriving the Finns of the crest. The transfer would be a high point in Nordic relations.
The idea started as a suggestion from a retired Norwegian government surveyor, who called the border “illogical”. Many Finns thought he had a point. A Facebook group was set up and things snowballed from there, reaching the zenith of Norway’s government. Asked about it by the country’s public broadcaster, Ms Solberg said her...Continue reading
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