Society Archives

9 years and counting: Finland is first in the World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report singles out Finland as the happiest country in the world in 2026, for the ninth year running. To celebrate, we seek out people named Onni (Happiness) to ask what makes them happy (see video).

Life & society Happiness

Unpacking Finnish happiness

Happiness doesn’t just happen. In Finland, it’s the result of strong social systems and a culture of wellbeing that has been carefully built over the past 100 years.

Life & society Happiness

The 4-letter word that literally explains Finnish happiness

Finnish happiness expresses itself in one little word, onni – and a host of other words and expressions derived from it.

Arts & culture Visual arts

Momentous Sámi exhibition arrives at Helsinki’s Kiasma Museum

We Who Remain is the first comprehensive exhibition of Sámi art ever shown at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki. The Sámi are the only recognised Indigenous People in the EU area.

Arts & culture Visual arts

Sámi artist Lada Suomenrinne reclaims the remote in the far north of Finland

Lada Suomenrinne creates photography on Sámi land, drawing on experience that spans the Arctic and beyond. An interview with the artist accompanies a recent outdoor exhibition.

Life & society Society

Helsinki underground: Where the city plays, swims and shelters

Beneath Helsinki’s streets lies a second city that is carefully planned and actively used. From playgrounds to rehearsal rooms, the Finnish capital has turned preparedness into part of everyday urban life.

Arts & culture Film

Sisu movie sequel: Finnish sisu never goes out of fashion

Sisu is a Finnish word that refers to a combination of resilience and perseverance. Cited as a Finnish source of strength and wellbeing, it’s also the title of a violent action film whose new sequel is enjoying runaway success.

Life & society Wellbeing

Finnish artists bring happiness to seniors in new companion programme

A new cultural initiative in Finland is opening doors to meaningful artistic encounters for seniors.

Society