Wellbeing - thisisFINLAND

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.

Life & society Wellbeing

In Finnish culture, hobbies get pride of place

Hobbies offer a way for people to enrich their lives – and even enhance the lives of others in the process. Joining a hobby is also a way to meet new Finnish friends.

Life & society Equality

Finland tops World Happiness Report for fifth time in a row, highlights trust, wellbeing and freedom – other Nordics in top 8

Finland leads the 2022 World Happiness Report, with the other Nordic countries keeping it company in the top eight. What are the values and systems that contribute to keeping Finland at the head of this list?

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Life & society Politics

New kind of election in Finland selects decision-makers for wellbeing services

January 23, 2022 is election day for a completely new category of election, anticipating the reform of social and health services that takes effect on January 1, 2023. Foreign residents of Finland have the right to vote and to run as candidates.

Life & society Wellbeing

Summer in the city: An open-air pool beckons in the heart of Helsinki

Helsinki Swimming Stadium is an oasis. In a park in the middle of the Finnish capital, you can swim in a heated, Olympic-size outdoor pool or work out at an open-air gym.

in Europe in quality of life

Source: Eurostat

Life & society Family

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 Sauna

Unesco highlights the intangible but very real spirit of Finnish sauna culture

“Sauna culture in Finland” is on the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. What does that mean, and what does the sauna represent to Finnish people?

Life & society Environment

Fresh air and quiet: App finds best Helsinki routes for bikers and hikers

See how Green Paths, a prototype app from the University of Helsinki’s Digital Geography Lab, helps cyclists and pedestrians in the Finnish capital area choose routes with the cleanest air and the least noise.

in the World Happiness Report

Source: UN World Happiness Report