Society - thisisFINLAND

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.

Life & society Society

The key to Finnish happiness may be people helping each other

At a blood donation centre, we find an example of Finnish talkoohenki, the community spirit of helping each other. As our video conveys, it could be a contributing factor to Finnish happiness.

Life & society Environment

Project helps flying squirrels succeed in Finnish capital region

Flying squirrels are adapting surprisingly well to life in one of Finland’s fastest-growing urban areas, thanks to smart planning and green forest corridors.

Life & society Language

What one person’s path to speaking Finnish reveals about life and language

For polyglot Irina Pravet, learning a language isn’t just about grammar. She sees knowing Finnish as a way to belong – and that’s something you don’t find in textbooks.

Life & society Architecture

Lahti, Finland chooses most beautiful building as city celebrates 120th anniversary

Residents of the southern Finnish city of Lahti have selected a 19th-century manor house as their city’s most beautiful building.

Life & society Architecture

Heads up for Helsinki’s urban overstory: Lions and gargoyles and bears, oh my!

If you elevate your gaze, Helsinki’s architecture contains surprising details. Mythical creatures, solemn figures and watchful animals perch high above street level.

Life & society Society

Trams carry the future in Helsinki and elsewhere in Finland

From the hum of the motor to the clatter of the tracks, people connect Helsinki’s trams with modern daily life and historical memories. This mode of transport will play a central role in the future of the capital and other cities in Finland.