Life & society

Experiencing the Finnish sauna

Sauna is a huge deal for the Finns, and a favourite topic. An American in Finland recounts sauna highlights and stories.

Life & society Media

Finland promotes media literacy as a civic skill

Julia Alajärvi is a senior adviser at the National Audiovisual Institute’s Department of Media Education and Audiovisual Media. In this column, she writes about the current place of media literacy in Finland and the world.

Life & society Sustainability

Six Finnish pioneers in carbon neutrality

Six Finnish cities have received recognition from the European Commission as pioneers in climate-neutrality efforts.

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Life & society National park

Nature is for everyone: Finland adds to accessibility at national parks and nature areas

Recent years have seen numerous improvements in accessibility in the great outdoors at national parks and nature areas. Dozens of accessible trails are available in regions all over Finland.

Life & society Sports

Having fun on the water in Finland

People in Finland love spending time outdoors. Finland’s 188,000 lakes, hundreds of rivers and long coastline offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. The Finnish Lake District is the largest such area in Europe.

85.4%

of Finns live in urban areas

Source: UN World Urbanisation Prospects

Life & society Universities

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 National park

Natural attraction: Finland’s national parks draw people to popular peaks and hidden gems

The dozens of national parks spread across Finland receive about 3.5 million visitors annually, but the numbers are unevenly distributed. While the quieter parks are farther off the beaten track, that only increases their charm.

Life & society Education

Teens in Finland learn life skills in home economics class

Mouthwatering aromas fill the air as a class of seventh-graders dig into today’s lesson: cooking a complete meal. (This article includes a couple of their dessert recipes.)

90%

Amount of bottles and cans recycled in Finland

Source: Palpa

Life & society Social Services

Oodi Library acts as Helsinki’s urban living room

The Finnish government built the flagship library Oodi as a present to its citizens after the country celebrated 100 years of independence in 2017. It is a clear indication of how important reading and education are to Finns.