Finnish life tables since 1751.

This paper presents the completed series of life tables from 1751 to 1995 that was used in identifying the four stages of mortality transition in Finland, separated by the years 1880, 1945, and 1970. The series documents all the different stages of mortality transition from high to low levels in an originally agricultural country experiencing many wars, famines, and other crises, as well as major political change. The cyclical fluctuation of the death rate in the 18th and 19th centuries is measured and examined in relation to epidemics, famines, and wars. Important permanent changes in mortality also took place in this period. Each of the successive stages of transition produced its own characteristic pattern of mortality change, which contrasted with those of the other stages. Finally, the age profile of the years added to life is drawn to illustrate the end result of each stage of mortality transition.