Life & society

Finland applauds and supports press freedom and its role in democracy

Press Freedom Day, held annually on May 3, reminds people all over the world that a free and independent media is necessary for a well-functioning democracy. The World Press Freedom Index appears on the same day. In 2022, it ranks Finland at number five.

Life & society Cuisine

Rolling out pies, rye bread and other essential eastern Finnish recipes

We visit eastern Finland to find recipes for blinis that require two days to make and dark rye bread that takes three or four days. And we reveal the secrets behind baking Karelian pies, berry pies and more.

Life & society Equality

Finland tops World Happiness Report for fifth time in a row, highlights trust, wellbeing and freedom – other Nordics in top 8

Finland leads the 2022 World Happiness Report, with the other Nordic countries keeping it company in the top eight. What are the values and systems that contribute to keeping Finland at the head of this list?

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Life & society Environment

Weathering winter in Finnish waters: Wildlife copes with changing Baltic Sea

Climate change is affecting average water temperatures and amounts of ice cover in the Baltic Sea. That influences the lifecycle and survival of fish and other wildlife, but not always the way you might think.

Life & society Webpick

Finland offers excellent challenges for runners

A number of factors make Finland a great place for runners. The website Run in Finland lists the country’s most exciting international running events for you and your friends.

90%

Amount of bottles and cans recycled in Finland

Source: Palpa

Life & society Sports

Good chance of gold as Finnish Olympic and Paralympic athletes head for Beijing

With the 2022 Winter Olympics happening in China from February 4 to 20 and the Paralympics from March 4 to 13, here’s a quick summary of what to expect from the Finnish team, from snowboarding to men’s and women’s ice hockey and more.

Life & society Politics

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.

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.

#1 passport

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

Source: Visa Restrictions Index