Life & society

An ode to the joys of Finnish summer cottages

From coastal islands to inland forests, our American reporter explores the quiet joy – and hard work – of Finland’s summer-cottage traditions.

Life & society Wellbeing

A Finnish nurse aims to revolutionise elderly care

As the global population ages, the challenge of providing compassionate and sustainable care for older people becomes increasingly urgent. In Finland, a nation renowned for innovation in healthcare, a small-town nurse is championing a transformative model of foster care.

Life & society Nature

Where the skies speak: Finland’s southern tip is a birdwatcher’s paradise

At the Hanko Bird Observatory in southern Finland, a reporter joins biologist Aki Aintila and volunteers as they track hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and marvel at the stories the skies reveal.

#3 passport

Finns can travel visa-free to 175 countries (14 other countries share this honour)

Source: Passport Index

Life & society Cuisine

5 reasons to love potatoes like a Finn

In Finland, spuds and taters have no haters. There are countless reasons to love the humble potato – here are five.

Life & society Nature

A secret kingdom of spring: Finnish stick forts come to life

Wherever you go in Finland, you’re never far from a forest or a park. Our photographer takes a walk in the woods and finds imaginative hideouts children have made from branches, sticks and leaves.

62.2%

of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

Life & society Sauna

5 Finnish saunas that show there’s a sauna for every taste

There are over three million saunas in Finland – in theory, enough for everyone in Finland to have a sauna at the exact same time! While most of them are privately owned, public sauna culture is also thriving, with a staggering variety of options available. Here are a few outstanding picks if you’re looking to experience the real deal.

Life & society Finnishness

For Finnish university students, May Day is the greatest time of year – here’s why

May Day in Finland is more than a celebration of spring. It’s a jubilant spectacle in which university students embrace creativity, tradition and community.

Life & society Language

With art, motion and emotion, Finnish researchers explore new language-learning paths

Learning a new language can be daunting and is often associated with hours of memorising vocabulary and repeating textbook phrases. But what if it could be more active, creative, fun and emotionally engaging?

in the Human Capital Index

Source: World Economic Forum