thisisFINLAND

Finnish design company Iittala celebrates 140 years of creating a world in glass

The town of Iittala, 125 kilometres (75 miles) north of Helsinki, has a tradition of glassblowing and design that goes all the way back to 1881. As the Iittala brand celebrates 140 years of creativity, we look at its prominent place in Finnish design.

Life & society Wellbeing

Summer in the city: An open-air pool beckons in the heart of Helsinki

Helsinki Swimming Stadium is an oasis. In a park in the middle of the Finnish capital, you can swim in a heated, Olympic-size outdoor pool or work out at an open-air gym.

Arts & culture Visual arts

Art in the archipelago: Helsinki Biennial reflects global concerns

Exploring identity, interconnectedness and the ecological crisis, the event’s theme and subtitle, “The Same Sea,” is more relevant than ever in a world marked by a pandemic.

30,541

Population of Finland’s semi-autonomous Åland Islands

Source: ÅSUB

Life & society Environment

Finnish volunteers make a dent in Baltic Sea plastic pollution

Beach cleaners in the town of Hanko are helping to raise awareness about the perils of plastic and other waste in and around the Baltic.

Life & society Language

Extending your Finnish speech reach: Speaking Finnish like the Finns

When learning any language, you’ll notice that real people don’t talk exactly like the examples in your course literature. That’s the start of a new adventure, and you’ll soon sound more authentic than ever. We even have a list of spoken Finnish expressions to help you get going.

Business & innovation Innovation

Protein and power out of thin air: Finnish projects capture value in CO2

Finnish innovations are finding new uses for carbon dioxide, such as creating fuel or even food. Could this help save humanity from itself?

Arts & culture Webpick

Celebrating a different kind of New Year’s Eve in the Finnish capital

Helsinki rings in the New Year remotely with a laser show, children’s activities and an orchestra playing EDM.

Life & society Politics

Expats take part in Finland’s municipal elections, held after two-month delay

This time, it’s personal. It’s local politics all over the nation. Finland’s municipal elections include a larger number of candidates than other levels of politics. Foreign residents can vote or run for office, too.

Most stable country in the world

Source: Fragile States Index

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