ABSTRACT
The history of the western Finno-Ugric nations is briefly outlined here because it holds a mirror to the eastern ones: what they could have been in the absence of continuous Russian domination, and what they still might become once Moscow's heavy hand is partly lifted. The western Finno-Ugrians include Hungarians, Finns, Estonians and Samis. The situation of the Samis in the Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden and Finland) is a relevant comparison point for the Kola Samis, Mansis, Hantis and Nenets in the far north, and it will be briefly discussed in Chapter 4. Outlined here are those aspects of culture and ethnic relations in Hungary, Finland and Estonia that are relevant for the eastern Finno-Ugric nations in the agricultural zone.
