thisisFINLAND

New kind of election in Finland selects decision-makers for wellbeing services

January 23, 2022 is election day for a completely new category of election, anticipating the reform of social and health services that takes effect on January 1, 2023. Foreign residents of Finland have the right to vote and to run as candidates.

Arts & culture Slideshows

The return of Lux Helsinki reminds viewers of brighter days ahead

Our photo show samples the glow of a festival of open-air light installations that offset the winter darkness in the Finnish capital.

Life & society Sports

Finnish American helps Finland lead in cheerleading

World champion cheerleader Kayleigh Karinen had already lived in the US, Chile and Spain when she decided to settle down in Finland, the country of her ancestors.

Life & society Culture

Explore Finland online: Sit back and enjoy the show

Here are options from all over Finland for seeing world-class art, architecture and performances without leaving home. Sometimes restrictions, cost or sheer distance can keep you from making a trip to see a show or an exhibition.

Finland emojis

Helsinki-Uusimaa is the most innovative region in the EU

Source: Regional Innovation Scoreboard

Facts, stats and info Webcam

Helsinki South Harbour and surroundings by webcam

Webcam view from Makasiini Terminal, South Harbour, Port of Helsinki Webcam view from South Harbour, Port of Helsinki

Christmas Santa Claus

Amid preparations at home in Finland, Santa says Christmas deliveries will go ahead

Approaching the end of another year filled with coronavirus concerns and travel restrictions, Santa Claus wants everyone to know that he will not be deterred from delivering presents to the world’s children.

Arts & culture Film

Finnish film from East Africa savours international acclaim

Somali Finnish film director Khadar Ayderus Ahmed describes the tribulations and triumphs of creating a movie about a haunting idea that simply wouldn’t leave him alone. It’s the first entry from Somalia for Best International Film Feature at the Oscars.

Life & society Webpick

Finland opens online Museum of Contemporary Emotions to catalogue pandemic experiences

For healing to begin, we first need to understand our emotions. We need to go back in time and find words for what we experienced.

Life & society Equality

Turkish organisation that combats violence against women receives international award in Finland

Finland has awarded the International Gender Equality Prize, the first high-profile prize of its kind in the world, to the We Will Stop Femicide Platform – an organisation doing groundbreaking work to combat violence against women in Turkey.

in the sustainable development index

Source: Sustainable Development Report

things you should and shouldn’t know