Abstract
Even though Finland experienced a similar GDP per capita as Chile or Uruguay in the 1950's, the GDP of the former has now tripled. The orientation of economic development, a constant economic growth, the rising of public sector and the emergence of compromises and consensus regarding political and social values explain the incredible Finnish evolution from backwardness to the welfare state stage. As the "Japan of Europe", Finland succeeded in combining solidarity towards underprivileged people, a governmental management of economy, universal values and the promotion of innovation and competent state policies. De facto, since the early 80's, we can consider that the Finnish conception of welfare state was achieved. Nevertheless, Finland has to face various challenges which permanently test the limits of its development model.
