thisisFINLAND

How Finnish innovations are helping make the maritime industry more sustainable

In order to attain net-zero goals, it’s essential to increase sustainability in the ocean shipping sector. We hear about the progress of two Finnish companies: Norsepower, founded in 2012, and Wärtsilä, which started way back in 1834.

Life & society Education

Report gives Finland top marks in literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills

According to a worldwide OECD survey, people in Finland have chart-topping skills in literacy, numeracy and problem solving.

Arts & culture Music

Sounds like Finland: Capturing the country’s essence in music

What does a country sound like? Finland set out to answer this question by becoming the first nation in the world to create an official national soundscape. Plug in, press play and experience Finland – no plane ticket required.

Mellunmäki

The world's northernmost metro station, in Helsinki

Life & society Language

Pronouncing Finnish with a smile: The sivistys video edition

Civilised behaviour – we’d probably all like to see more of it these days. A great Finnish word, sivistys, covers the idea – but how do you say that? With a smile! Watch our video.

Business & innovation Music

Music and memory: A Finnish rocker teams up with a neuroscientist

Musician and songwriter Heikki Salo collaborates with Teppo Särkämö of the University of Helsinki on an unusual project to help people recovering from strokes.

Life & society Sauna

Finnish sauna healers trust tradition and the restorative powers of the forest

Birch, spruce, juniper and other trees in Finland provide a range of wellness benefits in care offered by traditional sauna healers. They draw on accrued knowledge, Finnish folklore and a good steam.

Arts & culture Webpick

100 or so books from Finland: See what the Finnish Literature Exchange suggests

The Finnish Literature Exchange (FILI) lists more than 100 up-and-coming books from Finland. The bulk of them are so new that they haven’t been translated yet, but they offer a tantalising view of what’s on the way.

Life & society Language

“Easy Language” increases your Finnish and Swedish language reach in Finland

Easy Language is aimed at those who have difficulty understanding standard language for one reason or another. It has a long history in Finland, and its scope continues to expand.

#1 passport

Finns can travel visa-free to 174 countries (Germans, Brits and Swedes share this honour)

Source: Visa Restrictions Index

things you should and shouldn’t know