Finland expects 44pc debt to GDP at year-end

HELSINKI: Finland's government said it expects government debt to be around 44 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) at the end of 2012, slightly lower than its previous estimate of 46 percent and well below the euro zone's criteria of 60 percent.

The government estimated it would borrow 7.5 billion euros ($10 billion) this year, bringing total debt to 87 billion euros.

Finland is one of four triple-A rated economies left in the euro zone, although economists say weak economic growth and an ageing population mean it needs to strengthen its balance sheet.