Hi, I’m Zukky.
When you think of Northern Europe, you probably think of Lapland. This name evokes images of Santa Claus, snow, reindeer, the Northern Lights, and the indigenous Sámi people.
However, the term “Lapland” is actually quite confusing, carrying multiple meanings—from an administrative region to a vast geographical area—and it also has a history of controversy.
In this article, we will thoroughly explore the definitions, history, and the crucial distinction between Lapland and the Sámi people’s own term, Sápmi.
- Definitions: The different meanings of Lapland (Lappi in Finnish) and Lappland (in Swedish).
- Terminology: The correct terms use: Sámi (the people) and Sápmi (the land).
- The Origin of “Lapp”: The historical and now offensive meaning of the term “Lapp.”
What is Lapland?
The term “Lapland” can refer to three different areas, which often leads to confusion.
A. The Geographical Region (Cross-Border)
This refers to the vast area in the far north of Europe that spans four countries: Norway (Finnmark), Sweden, Finland, and Russia (Kola Peninsula). This is the oldest, broadest definition of the region.
B. The Administrative Region (Finnish Lapland)
This is the modern Lappi (Lapland Region), the largest and northernmost administrative region in Finland.
| Finnish | English | Area | Population | Capital |
| Lappi | Lapland Region | 100,367 km² | approx. 176,000 | Rovaniemi |
The Lapland Region of Finland is slightly larger than Hokkaido, Japan, and constitutes about one-third of Finland’s total land area. It borders the North Ostrobothnia region to the south, as well as Sweden, Norway, and Russia.
C. The Historical Province (Swedish Lapland)
This refers to the historical province (landskap) in Sweden called Lappland (with two P’s). Historically, this single province included both the modern Swedish Lappland and the majority of Finnish Lapland before 1809.
2. The Terms Sámi and Sápmi
The most important distinction to understand is the difference between the exonym Lapland and the Sámi people’s own terms, Sámi and Sápmi.
| Meaning | Language | |
| Sámi | The People (The indigenous people of the region) | Sámi languages |
| Sápmi | The Land (The traditional homeland of the Sámi people) | Sámi languages |
The Land of Sápmi
Sápmi is the traditional, cultural region where the Sámi people have historically lived.
While Lapland often refers to the Northern parts of Finland and Sweden, Sápmi covers a much broader, historical territory, including parts of central Norway and Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It is the nation without borders—a cultural and geographical concept that transcends modern state lines.
Sámi: The Correct Term for the People
The people are correctly referred to as Sámi (or Saami). This is their endonym (the name they use for themselves).
3. The Controversial Origin of the Word “Lapp”
The confusion surrounding “Lapland” stems from the term “Lapp,” which is now considered outdated and often derogatory by the Sámi people.
The Problematic History of “Lapp”
The name “Lapland” literally means the “Land of the Lapps.” The term “Lapp” was an exonym (a name given by outsiders, primarily Scandinavian and Finnish people) to the indigenous inhabitants of the North.
The origin of the word “Lapp” is uncertain, but popular theories suggest it is related to:
- Finnish lape: Meaning “periphery” or “edge.” This implies a people living far outside the central, “civilized” areas.
- A derogatory term: Historically, it may have been related to terms meaning “simpleton” or “patch/rag” (referring to clothing).
Why “Lapp” is Offensive
The term “Lapp” is loaded with the history of colonialism, discrimination, and forced assimilation by the surrounding nation-states. It was used by authorities to classify, control, and marginalize the Sámi.
Therefore, the use of “Sámi” instead of “Lapp” is a political, cultural, and respectful choice, acknowledging their indigenous status and self-determination.
Conclusion: Choose Respect—Choose Sápmi
The world today associates “Lapland” with Christmas and tourism, but beneath the surface lies a complex history involving the indigenous Sámi people.
- When referring to the administrative region in Finland, Finnish Lapland (Lappi) is acceptable.
- However, when referring to the cultural homeland of the Sámi people or to the people themselves, the respectful and correct terms are Sápmi (the land) and Sámi (the people).
By using the correct terminology, we show respect for the Sámi people’s history and their right to define their own identity.
Sámi Culture: Related Articles
This is a comprehensive guide to Sámi history, culture, and life in the North. Click on a topic to dive deeper.
References
- “Old Maps of The Arctic Region” （https://lapinkavijat.rovaniemi.fi/vanhatkartat/eng/index.html）2025.10.16アクセス
- Miekkavaara, L. (2008). Unknown Europe: The mapping of the Northern countries by Olaus Magnus in 1539. Belgeo. Revue belge de géographie, (3-4), 307-324.
- “THE SÁMI PEOPLE TRADITIONS IN TRANSITION” Veli-Pekka Lehtola 2004 translated by Linna Weber Müller-Wille UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA PRESS
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