thisisFINLAND

Finnish film from East Africa savours international acclaim

Somali Finnish film director Khadar Ayderus Ahmed describes the tribulations and triumphs of creating a movie about a haunting idea that simply wouldn’t leave him alone. It’s the first entry from Somalia for Best International Film Feature at the Oscars.

Life & society Equality

Turkish organisation that combats violence against women receives international award in Finland

Finland has awarded the International Gender Equality Prize, the first high-profile prize of its kind in the world, to the We Will Stop Femicide Platform – an organisation doing groundbreaking work to combat violence against women in Turkey.

Life & society Nature

The Northern Lights colour the skies over Finland

Finland’s natural scenery includes, by any measure, some of the most beautiful views in the world: blue lakes, emerald forests and snowy winter landscapes.

3.2 million

Amount of saunas in Finland

Source: Finnish Sauna Society

Life & society Cuisine

Serving some of our favourite dishes: southern Finnish recipes

Here are a few much-loved recipes that are popular in southern Finland and across the country.

Arts & culture Film

“Plans are just plans”: Prize-winning Finnish film traces train trip to northern Russia

Director Juho Kuosmanen tells us about the adventure of making an unusual road movie that won the Grand Prix at Cannes.

Arts & culture Fashion

Bold prints and sustainability: Finnish design house Marimekko celebrates at 70

Finnish textile and clothing brand Marimekko marks 70 bold and colourful years in 2021. We talk with Mika Ihamuotila, the chair of the board, about the company’s history and future – and about his love for the Finnish archipelago.

Business & innovation Webpick

Ideas for a better life: Millennium Technology Prize livestream and online innovation forum

The 2020 Millennium Technology Prize winner is announced at a livestreamed ceremony on May 18, 2021. The ceremony is followed by a virtual event, the Millennium Innovation Forum, held online on May 19.

Business & innovation Education

Finnish company encourages fun science education for kids

Kide Science creates science education for children that is literally child’s play. The fun, hands-on pedagogical model is based on substantial research into how kids learn best.

500,400

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland

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