Society - thisisFINLAND

What’s the deal with the overalls you see university students wearing in Finland?

They’re a trademark of student life at Finnish universities: Durable overalls in various bright colours, decorated with imaginative patches and badges, contribute to a sense of community.

Life & society Education

Navigating life sustainably at an archipelago school in Finland

Our video brings you to an island off the southwestern coast of Finland, where schoolkids take a course called Archipelago Knowledge. It maintains local traditions while looking towards a sustainable future.

Arts & culture Festivals

Pop, rap, techno and yoik: Festival in the far north of Finland spotlights Sámi music, culture and languages

The annual festival Ijahis Idja (Nightless Night) in the very northern town of Inari showcases modern and traditional music by Sámi Indigenous people. We talk with several performers about their music and heritage.

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Arts & culture Technology

Finnish university project seeks to understand video game culture

With the increasing popularity and impact of video games on today’s cultural landscape comes the need to study and analyse them, too.

Life & society Quality of life

My happy place in Finland

Four expats in Finland tell their stories and reveal how living there contributes to the way they view and experience happiness.

67.8%

of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

Life & society Finnishness

A Finnish word, sivistys, adds to wellbeing and helps solve future challenges

Finland’s Year of Sivistys 2024 spotlights a long-established concept of societal enlightenment and learning, and harnesses its strengths to face challenges now and in the future.

Arts & culture Visual arts

Urbane renewal: Returning a beloved Helsinki landmark to its original form

We visit a workshop at an undisclosed location where the venerable sculpture Havis Amanda is undergoing a yearlong conservation project. [Update: It returned to its harbourside perch in June 2024 – with a new plan to protect it during major celebrations.]

Arts & culture Visual arts

Inspiration and influences: 12 artists in Finland talk about life and creativity

On a fascinating journey of discovery, we visit an array of Finland-based artists to find out what ideas animate and inform their work.

200

Members in Finland's Parliament

Life & society Finnishness

For seventh year running, Finland is first in World Happiness Report – other Nordics in top 7

Since 2018, the UN World Happiness Report has found that Finland is the happiest country in the world. How does happiness happen?

Life & society Cuisine

Après-steam cuisine: 7 Finnish waterfront sauna restaurants serving delicious meals

Famous for its sauna culture, Finland continues to innovate in the sauna space. Sleek new sauna restaurants have cropped up around the country in recent years. A few have already become classics and local landmarks.