Society - thisisFINLAND

Oodi Library acts as Helsinki’s urban living room

The Finnish government built the flagship library Oodi as a present to its citizens after the country celebrated 100 years of independence in 2017. It is a clear indication of how important reading and education are to Finns.

Life & society Quality of life

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.

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Business & innovation Work

CEO of Finland’s Supercell believes in work-life balance and an international workforce

Mobile game developer Supercell, headquartered in Helsinki, is known for its emphasis on employee wellbeing. Cofounder and CEO Ilkka Paananen shares his ideas about the work environments of the future.

Life & society Family

For more than 100 years, Finnish “neuvola” clinics have given families a healthy start

Founded in Helsinki in 1922, a nationwide system of maternity and child health clinics has benefited and helped shape Finnish society over a period that now spans more than a century. They provide everything from prenatal healthcare to postnatal support for parents.

67.8%

of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

Life & society Equality

After finding refuge in Finland, Afghan woman continues to advocate for peace and equality

Since fleeing the Taliban and arriving in Finland, Shekeba Ahmadi has found stability in one of the world’s most gender-equal countries. Through her work as a women’s rights advocate, she hopes to fight extremist oppression in her former homeland.

Business & innovation Lifestyle

Finnish futurist sees new ways of looking at people’s career paths and skills

We meet multitalented futurist, inventor and composer Perttu Pölönen, who helps people navigate the ever-changing labour market. He believes continual technological progress will increase the need for uniquely human skills.

Life & society Nature

Treasure hunting in the Finnish forest

It’s late September, and we’re breathing the fresh, earthy fragrances of autumn in a forest just west of the Finnish capital. We’re tagging along with a mushroom picker who compares her hobby to searching for treasure in the woods.

200

Members in Finland's Parliament