thisisFINLAND

Finnish lightscapes: Festivals light up the night in Finland

Every winter, Finnish cities shine with light festivals showcasing works by both Finnish and international artists. You can see what they’re all about in our video.

Christmas Christmas traditions

Calm and harmony: A relaxing sauna continues to be a Finnish Christmas tradition

A steaming hot sauna, softly illuminated and filled with the fragrant aroma of birch leaves, is a centuries-old Finnish tradition intended to bring calmness, harmony and peace before the start of Christmas celebrations.

Business & innovation Sustainability

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.

December 24

Santa Claus arrives with the presents on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day

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.

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.

Arts & culture Webpick

Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen gets Grammy for recording of Kaija Saariaho’s opera

Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen received a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording, with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra’s recording of Adriana Mater, a work by the late Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho.

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.

62.2%

of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

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