Equality - thisisFINLAND

We asked people in Finland what makes them happy

In honour of the International Day of Happiness, which takes place every year on March 20, we visit Oodi, Helsinki’s grand central library, to talk with people about what makes them happy. In our video, they tell you in their own words.

Life & society Society

Citizens’ initiatives prove popular in Finland as an expression of democracy

More than a decade of experience shows how citizens’ initiatives, in which ordinary voters ask the legislature to create or alter a law, have become a popular expression of democracy in Finland – particularly for young people.

Life & society Equality

After finding refuge in Finland, Afghan woman continues to advocate for peace and equality

Since fleeing the Taliban and arriving in Finland, Shekeba Ahmadi has found stability in one of the world’s most gender-equal countries. Through her work as a women’s rights advocate, she hopes to fight extremist oppression in her former homeland.

42,936

Finland's GDP per capita, euros

Source: Statistics Finland

Life & society Sports

Finnish team aims to share European football glory

In the lead-up to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, we chat with rising star Elli Pikkujämsä about the Finnish national squad’s capacity to deliver some surprises.

Life & society Media

Finland applauds and supports press freedom and its role in democracy

Press Freedom Day, held annually on May 3, reminds people all over the world that a free and independent media is necessary for a well-functioning democracy. The World Press Freedom Index appears on the same day. In 2022, it ranks Finland at number five.

Life & society Equality

Finland tops World Happiness Report for fifth time in a row, highlights trust, wellbeing and freedom – other Nordics in top 8

Finland leads the 2022 World Happiness Report, with the other Nordic countries keeping it company in the top eight. What are the values and systems that contribute to keeping Finland at the head of this list?

Business & innovation Equality

Finnish organisation gets women into coding and opens career paths

The software industry is male-dominated, but Mimmit koodaa (Women code) has brought thousands of women into professional coding. It started with workshops and grew to include networking and career support.

Life & society Politics

New kind of election in Finland selects decision-makers for wellbeing services

January 23, 2022 is election day for a completely new category of election, anticipating the reform of social and health services that takes effect on January 1, 2023. Foreign residents of Finland have the right to vote and to run as candidates.