Finnishness - thisisFINLAND

Eight years in a row: Finland remains in first place in World Happiness Report – other Nordics in top 7

We’re happy to note that Finland has been the happiest country on the planet since 2018, according to the World Happiness Report. How does Finland’s “infrastructure of happiness” help happiness happen?

Arts & culture Music

Made in Finland: Sweden sends Finnish sauna-party band KAJ to Eurovision

In a curious turn of events, Sweden has chosen KAJ, a comedy group from Finland, as its representative for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Finland’s own delegate is Erika Vikman.

Life & society Sauna

5 tips for enjoying the sauna like people in Finland

Want to make the most of your sauna experience? Start with this simple list!

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

Life & society Webpick

Finnish sauna offers a warm welcome for people from all walks of life

In Finland, sauna is not a rare luxury, but a central part of the culture. In fact, did you know that there are more saunas than cars in Finland?

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.

3.2 million

Amount of saunas in Finland

Source: Finnish Sauna Society

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.

2010

The year National Failure Day was introduced