thisisFINLAND

Finnish author Minna Canth could, and she did

During her wide-ranging and consequential career, Minna Canth advocated for women’s rights and social causes. Her legacy continues; Minna Canth Day is celebrated annually on her birthday, March 19.

Arts & culture Literature

Finland’s first feminist: Why Minna Canth’s writing is still important

We speak to author Minna Rytisalo about how the work of playwright, author and social activist Minna Canth remains relevant today.

Life & society Equality

Finnish comic artist Kaisa Leka breaks preconceptions about disabilities and being outdoors

Award-winning artist and adventurer Kaisa Leka wants to ensure that nature is accessible for everyone. Her prosthetic legs have taken her across the United States and all the way to the Arctic Sea, but her hidden gems are on the countless islands of the Finnish archipelago.

Life & society Society

Nordic cooperation covers everything from art to economics

The Nordic region is very diverse, but its citizens have many values in common. We hear from two significant Nordic institutions about their work in Finland and abroad.

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

Check out what’s happening on and around Market Square and at Allas Sea Pool. Watch the ferries arrive and depart. See what the weather is like in the Finnish capital, and maybe spot some seagulls at cruising altitude.

Arts & culture Music

Made in Finland: Sweden sends Finnish sauna-party band KAJ to Eurovision

In a curious turn of events, Sweden has chosen KAJ, a comedy group from Finland, as its representative for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Finland’s own delegate is Erika Vikman.

Business & innovation Architecture

Inventive Finnish company makes construction ideas float

Bluet, a young Finnish company with an imaginative approach, has become a global leader in the new industry of floating leisure structures: buildings, swimming pools, football fields, concert stages and more.

Business & innovation Webpick

University of Helsinki research: Prehistoric people may have “heard” rock paintings talking

A number of prehistoric (5000–1500 BCE) rock paintings exist in Finland, mostly in the southeastern part of the country. Surprisingly, the acoustics of some sites may have made them important to the hunter-gatherers of the time.

Life & society Sauna

5 tips for enjoying the sauna like people in Finland

Want to make the most of your sauna experience? Start with this simple list!

in the Sustainable Development Index

Source: Sustainable Development Report

Arts & culture Visual arts

Looking for paradise: Finnish artist Tove Jansson’s paintings go far beyond the Moomins

Even dedicated fans of Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson’s Moomin characters may know little of her painting career and its role in her life. We show you around a major exhibition – and uncover some info about one of the Moomin books, too.

Arts & culture Innovation

Art you can be a part of: Designers discuss Finnish video game Alan Wake and the evolution of games

They reflect society, they make us cry, they make us hold our breath in anticipation. Video games combine several forms of art, but they’re built on the power of interactive storytelling. Makers of the global hit series Alan Wake from the Finnish video game developer Remedy Entertainment tell us how it’s done.

things you should and shouldn’t know