thisisFINLAND

Finland’s Eurovision story evolves from trials to triumphs

In the glitzy Eurovision Song Contest, Finland languished as a perennial underdog for decades. Then its fortunes changed dramatically, and it has repeatedly been a serious contender to win the continent’s hearts.

Arts & culture Art

Vibrant legacy: How artist Reidar Särestöniemi brought out northern Finland’s colours

From modest origins in the northern Finnish village of Kaukonen, Reidar Särestöniemi progressed to fame and recognition. His art continues to resonate with audiences, celebrating nature, individuality and the power of self-expression.

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.

Helsinki-Uusimaa is the 2nd most innovative region in the EU

Source: Regional Innovation Scoreboard

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?

Life & society Language

How livestreaming helped me learn Finnish – and what you can take from my experience

For the past two years, I have subjected myself – and, more importantly, a live audience – to the great and noble quest of learning Finnish. Here’s what I found out.

Life & society Politics

Finland’s election day coffee tradition unites all kinds of voters

Many people in Finland make voting into an outing by stopping for coffee and cake afterwards. We catch up with voters at their chosen cafés to get to the heart of the long-established Finnish custom of election day coffee.

Life & society Webpick

Finnish sauna offers a warm welcome for people from all walks of life

In Finland, sauna is not a rare luxury, but a central part of the culture. In fact, did you know that there are more saunas than cars in Finland?

Life & society Politics

Election time: Finland’s foreign residents cast their votes in county and municipal elections

Nationwide elections of some kind – presidential, parliamentary or others – happen in Finland at least every two years, and sometimes in consecutive years. Foreign residents can vote and run for office in the combined county and municipal elections. We talk with some of them.

in the Sustainable Development Index

Source: Sustainable Development Report

things you should and shouldn’t know