The internet is a fertile ground for a variety of theories, some logical, others wild. One such theory that has garnered attention in the odder corners of the web posits that the Nordic country of Finland doesn’t exist. Yes, you read that right: “Finland Doesn’t Exist,” or FDE as it’s abbreviated, has a surprisingly significant following. While it’s easy to dismiss this as nonsensical, we will delve into this idea’s underpinnings, presenting evidence that, at the very least, make this theory intriguing.

The Origin of the Theory

The FDE theory originated from a Reddit post in 2016. A user named ‘Raregans’ shared a theory that had allegedly been passed down in their family: Finland was a fabrication created during the Cold War by the Soviet Union and Japan. This seemingly wild claim quickly captured imaginations and spread, leading to thousands of people across the globe entertaining the idea.

The Motivation

According to proponents of the FDE theory, the reason for this grand deception is economic. The theory suggests that Japan and the Soviet Union created “Finland” to secure rights to fish in the Baltic Sea unimpeded. The fish would be transported across Russia via the Trans-Siberian railway (the longest railway in the world), and from there to Japan under the guise of ‘Nokia’ products.

‘Finland’s’ Physical Nonexistence

A fundamental aspect of the FDE theory is the assertion that the geographic entity of Finland simply doesn’t exist. Advocates argue that what we perceive as ‘Finland’ is in fact the Baltic Sea. They point out that satellite images could be easily doctored by global organizations. To support this, they point to examples of ‘photoshopped’ images such as those from North Korea.

Finnish People and Culture: An Elaborate Fiction?

The existence of Finnish people, their unique language, and rich culture poses a substantial challenge to the FDE theory. However, theorists have explanations for this as well. Some suggest that what we call ‘Finland’ is actually parts of Sweden, Estonia, and Russia. As for the Finnish people, they are either in on the deception or have been deceived into believing they live in Finland.

The ‘Finland’ in International Records

Records from organizations such as the United Nations show Finland as one of the world’s happiest countries with an impressive educational system and robust healthcare. FDE proponents argue that these could be fabricated as part of the conspiracy, or they may represent statistics from parts of Sweden and Russia.

Skepticism and Belief: The Power of Conspiracy Theories

What makes the FDE theory so compelling, despite its obvious deviations from accepted reality? Conspiracy theories tap into our innate desire for narrative and coherence. They offer alternate explanations for reality, especially when it is confusing or frightening. The FDE theory, while eccentric, provides a reminder of how easily we can be drawn to such narratives.

Conclusion

The Finland Doesn’t Exist theory is a fascinating example of the power of conspiracy theories. While it’s highly unlikely that an entire country and its people could be an elaborate fabrication, exploring the evidence and arguments of its proponents can be an intriguing exercise in critical thinking. Remember, the existence of a theory doesn’t prove the reality it purports, but it does show us the remarkable lengths human imagination can stretch in quest for understanding our world.