thisisFINLAND

Trams roll into Tampere, Finland in time for the city’s carbon neutrality goals

Tampere’s long-anticipated Ratikka tramline brings a new element to the cityscape while helping cut carbon emissions and contributing to the local economy.

Arts & culture Art

Helsinki show spotlights the continual renewal of an age-old Finnish art form

It’s a word that many find difficult to pronounce, but the technique and designs of “ryijy” tapestries hold a special place in Finnish culture. We visit an extensive ryijy exhibition at Kunsthalle Helsinki to see a traditional art form that remains vibrant.

Life & society Climate

Finnish grannies act to counteract climate change

Twelve Finnish supergrannies have started a social movement that addresses climate change with a message of hope. Their mission is to use “granny wisdom” to teach people that a sustainable life is also a fulfilling one.

Cleanest air in Europe

Source: Environmental Performance Index

Life & society History

Åland Islands to commence celebration of 100 years of peaceful autonomy

The Åland Islands Peace Institute contributes to a programme of events marking the centenary of a unique agreement.

Life & society Finnishness

In a year marked by Covid-19, World Happiness Report emphasises trust and points to Finland

In 2021, Finland tops the annual World Happiness Report for the fourth year in a row, with the other Nordic countries all in the top ten. We take a look at how the report works, and see what the Finnish word “onni” might have to do with Finland’s results.

Life & society People

Some extraordinary Finnish people you should know about (yes, they’re all women)

In honour of not only International Women’s Day (March 8), but every other day of the year, we bring you a list of remarkable Finnish women, past and present: artists, sports stars, musicians, politicians, writers and more.

Arts & culture Webpick

Nordic and international photographers’ exhibitions on the streets of Helsinki

The Helsinki Photo Festival, from July 7 to September 30, 2020, brings the artistic medium of photography back onto the streets.

Life & society Sauna

Unesco highlights the intangible but very real spirit of Finnish sauna culture

“Sauna culture in Finland” is on the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. What does that mean, and what does the sauna represent to Finnish people?

2,077

people in Finland speak Sámi as their mother tongue

Source: Statistics Finland

things you should and shouldn’t know