Society - thisisFINLAND

Discover the wild herbs growing across Finland

Finland’s forests are full of flavour. Meet the wild herbs hiding in plain sight.

Fit as a Finn: The story behind Finland’s affinity for exercise

From 19th-century gymnastics clubs to today’s ski trails and cycling paths, fitness has long formed part of Finnish life. But what keeps this nation moving through every season? Let’s find out.

Life & society Wellbeing

How Finland’s Housing First model makes real progress against homelessness

Finland has a plan to eradicate longterm homelessness by 2027. We asked three formerly homeless people to share their favourite things about their homes.

The happiest country in the world since 2018

Source: The World Happiness Report

Life & society Lifestyle

An ode to the joys of Finnish summer cottages

From coastal islands to inland forests, our American reporter explores the quiet joy – and hard work – of Finland’s summer-cottage traditions.

Life & society Wellbeing

A Finnish nurse aims to revolutionise elderly care

As the global population ages, the challenge of providing compassionate and sustainable care for older people becomes increasingly urgent. In Finland, a nation renowned for innovation in healthcare, a small-town nurse is championing a transformative model of foster care.

62.2%

of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

Life & society Finnishness

For Finnish university students, May Day is the greatest time of year – here’s why

May Day in Finland is more than a celebration of spring. It’s a jubilant spectacle in which university students embrace creativity, tradition and community.

Life & society Language

How livestreaming helped me learn Finnish – and what you can take from my experience

For the past two years, I have subjected myself – and, more importantly, a live audience – to the great and noble quest of learning Finnish. Here’s what I found out.

Life & society Politics

Finland’s election day coffee tradition unites all kinds of voters

Many people in Finland make voting into an outing by stopping for coffee and cake afterwards. We catch up with voters at their chosen cafés to get to the heart of the long-established Finnish custom of election day coffee.

200

Members in Finland's Parliament