Top Present

A group of Norwegians has elevated the concept of gift giving – by 1365 metres. that’s the height of the mount Halt, which the generous bunch would like to I’ve Finland for its 100th anniversary of independence. A mountain as a birthday present.

The idea makes sense. Norway more than its fair share of peaks – nearly 3,00 soaring above 2,000 metres. Finland on the other hand, doesn’t have any that crack the 1500 metre mark. To make matters worse, the country’s highest point isn’t even a summit – its on the side of Mount Halti, which pinnacles just 20 metres inside the Norwegian border.

It doesn’t have to be that way, says Bjorn Geirr Harsson, a retired Norwegian geodesist behind the campaign. Shifting the border vy roughly 150 metres north and 200 metres east would bring Halti’s apex into Finland, lifting the regions’s altitude and spirits.

Conflicts? Territory disputes? Tese are foreign concepts in the Nordic nirvana of civility and progress. Its unusual to hear a country volunteering to give up a part of its land.

A number of key bodies, including the Norwegian Mapping Authority and the municipality where Halti is located, have recently backed the plan which is growing rapidly in popularity on social media.

The campaign which was set up by the people of Norway aims to show what two neighbouring countries can do for each other when they are peaceful and enjoy a good relationship.

Whatever the outcome, the campaign is proving to be worthwhile. A lot of Finns appreciate the idea, even if it doesn’t happen. After all, its the thought that counts.