Life & society

Finnish volunteers make a dent in Baltic Sea plastic pollution

Beach cleaners in the town of Hanko are helping to raise awareness about the perils of plastic and other waste in and around the Baltic.

Life & society Language

Extending your Finnish speech reach: Speaking Finnish like the Finns

When learning any language, you’ll notice that real people don’t talk exactly like the examples in your course literature. That’s the start of a new adventure, and you’ll soon sound more authentic than ever. We even have a list of spoken Finnish expressions to help you get going.

Life & society Politics

Expats take part in Finland’s municipal elections, held after two-month delay

This time, it’s personal. It’s local politics all over the nation. Finland’s municipal elections include a larger number of candidates than other levels of politics. Foreign residents can vote or run for office, too.

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Life & society Sustainability

Circular economy success: Finland’s recycling programme keeps bottles and cans off the streets

We see how Finland’s deposit system for bottles and cans achieves a recycling rate of more than 90 percent, and how city administrators and event organisers supplement the system with their own resourceful programmes.

Life & society History

Åland marks centenary of autonomy agreement with a year full of events

The 100-year anniversary of a unique and enduring agreement in the Åland Islands is the occasion for a yearlong programme of special events and celebrations.

90%

Amount of bottles and cans recycled in Finland

Source: Palpa

Life & society Sports

Excitement mounts as Finland’s men’s football team makes its Euro debut

Finland’s appearance in their first major men’s football tournament, in summer 2021, is a dream come true for long-suffering supporters of the Eagle-Owls.

Life & society Family

Finnish society places value on family time and inclusivity

The significance that Finnish people attach to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day may reflect something that goes beyond the holidays themselves. It may be indicative of the way Finland, as a society, views and supports parents and families.

Life & society Cuisine

A whole bunch of brunch for May Day: Finland’s festival of spring arrives

May Day, traditionally the wildest party of the year in Finland, starts on April 30 and continues on May 1, when people take to the parks for a picnic brunch. Chef Timo Lepistö provides us with recipes that fit the holiday. Even in times of social distancing, there will be some version of brunch.

#1 passport

Finns can travel visa-free to 174 countries (Germans, Brits and Swedes share this honour)

Source: Visa Restrictions Index