Suomen Neito () was a traditional Finnish beauty pageant held in the 1950s, 1960s, 1986, and from 1990 to 2007. The pageant began in 1952 when Armi Kuusela was crowned as the first Suomen Neito, which qualified her for the inaugural Miss Universe pageant, where she became its first titleholder. From 1986 to 2006, Suomen Neito winners represented Finland in the Miss World pageant. However, in 2007, the pageant's significance diminished with the introduction of a new selection process, leading to its disbandment.
In 1962 and 1991, the Suomen Neito pageants were held concurrently with the Miss Finland pageant. Miss Finland (Finnish: Miss Suomi), established in 1931, is the oldest and most prominent beauty pageant in Finland.
Titleholders
Year Winner Notes 1952 Armi Kuusela Subsequently Miss Universe 1952 1953 Teija Sopanen 1954 Lenita Airisto 1955 Sirkku Talja 1962 Aulikki Järvinen 2nd runner-up at Miss Universe 1962 1963 Nadine Gustafsson 1986 Satu-Riitta Alaharja 1990 Nina Björkfelt 1991 Nina Autio 1992 Petra von Hellens 1993 Janina Frostell 1994 Mia Forsell 1995 Terhi Koivisto 1996 Hanna Hirvonen 1997 Minna Lehtinen 1998 Maaret Nousiainen 1999 Maria Laamanen 2000 Salima Peippo 2001 Jenni Hietanen 2002 Hanne Hynynen 2003 Johanna Hynninen 2004 Niina Tikanmäki 2005 Saana Anttila 2006 Jenniina Tuokko 2007 Essi Hellstén
See also Miss Finland
References