Finnishness - 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 Winter

Icy resolve: Creating the world’s widest ice carousel on a Finnish lake

Janne Käpylehto’s newest project – making the largest ice carousel in the world – amounts to a masterclass in sisu, the untranslatable Finnish word that signifies courage and endurance. And we’ve got it on video.

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

Arts & culture Music

His birthday became Finnish Music Day: Using dance to depict the life of composer Jean Sibelius

Finnish Music Day happens annually on December 8, the birthday of Jean Sibelius, the country’s most famous composer. For the occasion, we revisit action from the recent ballet Sibelius and talk with its choreographer, Jorma Elo.

Life & society Wellbeing

In Finnish culture, hobbies get pride of place

Hobbies offer a way for people to enrich their lives – and even enhance the lives of others in the process. Joining a hobby is also a way to meet new Finnish friends.

3.2 million

Amount of saunas in Finland

Source: Finnish Sauna Society

Life & society Cuisine

Baking Finnish cinnamon buns, Runeberg cakes and other sweet treats

People in Finland have enjoyed these delicious cake, bun and bread recipes for generations. They’ll fill your kitchen with rich aromas of cardamom and cinnamon.

Life & society Sports

Finnish racecar drivers excel at acceleration

Why does Finland produce so many great racecar drivers? We talk to two of them to find out: Emma Kimiläinen and William Alatalo.

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.

2010

The year National Failure Day was introduced