thisisFINLAND

Life & society Environment

Concern for a precious sea

With a catchment area spanning nine countries, the Baltic Sea is becoming overloaded.

Life & society Environment

Treasures of Finland’s boreal forests

Pick them yourself or buy them at the market: the season for berries and mushrooms lasts through summer and autumn.

Arts & culture Literature

Finland’s other epic: The Kanteletar

The Kanteletar’s ancient ballads form a companion work to the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic.

Arts & culture Literature

Kalevala: the Finnish national epic

The Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, has inspired generations of artists and helped shape the nation’s identity.

Life & society History

How Mannerheim helped Finland earn its independence

Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, Finland’s most famous military leader, helped his countrymen earn “their own independent lives within the family of free peoples.” Before that, he served in the Russian military for many years; article includes slideshow.

Life & society History

J.V. Snellman: Where would Finland be without him?

Philosopher, scholar, journalist and politician Johan Vilhelm Snellman played a uniquely important role in forming the Finnish national identity.

Life & society Society

Bare facts of the sauna in Finland

Just say yes: If you want to get to know Finnish culture, don’t be intimidated by the sauna. With our beginner’s guide, there’s nothing to it.

things you should and shouldn’t know