Society - thisisFINLAND

Finnish society places value on family time and inclusivity

The significance that Finnish people attach to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day may reflect something that goes beyond the holidays themselves. It may be indicative of the way Finland, as a society, views and supports parents and families.

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.

Arts & culture Webpick

Finnish writer Saara Turunen’s work plays on new stages in Helsinki and Germany

Saara Turunen’s newest play opens in Helsinki, followed by the German version’s premiere in Hannover, with the Finnish author directing both versions herself.

Life & society Sports

Wolves, owls and lions: Why Finland names its national teams after animals

Wolves howl, owls swoop, lions roar – and so do Finnish national sports teams. In Finland, naming your team after a wild animal is part of the game.

Life & society History

Fly into history along Finland’s south coast, in a vintage DC-3

Join us to see the south coast of Finland from a rare vantage point: the country’s oldest airworthy DC-3 passenger aircraft, offering expansive vistas and a journey back in time.