Despite rapid urbanization in recent years, Finland is still a comparatively rural country. A pleasant and peaceful neighbourhood, unpolluted nature and access to bioenergy provide a wealth of opportunities for developing the countryside.

On the other hand, about half of the population of Finland lives in urban regions. Traditional regional policy must therefore be complemented by an active urban policy. In a Green city, housing, work, services, traffic and cultural life must function in harmony.

Everybody has a right to choose where to live both in cities and in rural areas. The availability, quality and basic services must be guaranteed equally in all parts of the country.