thisisFINLAND

Finnish skaters combine power and grace

Why is synchronised skating so popular in Finland, which regularly wins medals in the sport?

Eight years in a row: Finland remains in first place in World Happiness Report – other Nordics in top 7

We’re happy to note that Finland has been the happiest country on the planet since 2018, according to the World Happiness Report. How does Finland’s “infrastructure of happiness” help happiness happen?

Life & society Fashion

Finnish American designer Ervin Latimer creates inclusive fashion

Finnish American designer Ervin Latimer believes that fashion needs to change, not people. He designs for a variety of bodies and genders. Latimer’s uncompromising design philosophy has made waves at renowned events such as Copenhagen Fashion Week and Pitti Uomo.

Life & society Equality

Finnish comic artist Kaisa Leka breaks preconceptions about disabilities and being outdoors

Award-winning artist and adventurer Kaisa Leka wants to ensure that nature is accessible for everyone. Her prosthetic legs have taken her across the United States and all the way to the Arctic Sea, but her hidden gems are on the countless islands of the Finnish archipelago.

Finland emojis

Helsinki-Uusimaa is the most innovative region in the EU

Source: Regional Innovation Scoreboard

Facts, stats and info Webcam

Helsinki South Harbour and surroundings by webcam

Check out what’s happening on and around Market Square and at Allas Sea Pool. Watch the ferries arrive and depart. See what the weather is like in the Finnish capital, and maybe spot some seagulls at cruising altitude.

Life & society Society

Nordic cooperation covers everything from art to economics

The Nordic region is very diverse, but its citizens have many values in common. We hear from two significant Nordic institutions about their work in Finland and abroad.

Arts & culture Music

Made in Finland: Sweden sends Finnish sauna-party band KAJ to Eurovision

In a curious turn of events, Sweden has chosen KAJ, a comedy group from Finland, as its representative for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Finland’s own delegate is Erika Vikman.

Business & innovation Webpick

University of Helsinki research: Prehistoric people may have “heard” rock paintings talking

A number of prehistoric (5000–1500 BCE) rock paintings exist in Finland, mostly in the southeastern part of the country. Surprisingly, the acoustics of some sites may have made them important to the hunter-gatherers of the time.

Business & innovation Architecture

Inventive Finnish company makes construction ideas float

Bluet, a young Finnish company with an imaginative approach, has become a global leader in the new industry of floating leisure structures: buildings, swimming pools, football fields, concert stages and more.

in the Sustainable Development Index

Source: Sustainable Development Report

Life & society Sauna

5 tips for enjoying the sauna like people in Finland

Want to make the most of your sauna experience? Start with this simple list!

Arts & culture Visual arts

Looking for paradise: Finnish artist Tove Jansson’s paintings go far beyond the Moomins

Even dedicated fans of Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson’s Moomin characters may know little of her painting career and its role in her life. We show you around a major exhibition – and uncover some info about one of the Moomin books, too.

Arts & culture Innovation

Art you can be a part of: Designers discuss Finnish video game Alan Wake and the evolution of games

They reflect society, they make us cry, they make us hold our breath in anticipation. Video games combine several forms of art, but they’re built on the power of interactive storytelling. Makers of the global hit series Alan Wake from the Finnish video game developer Remedy Entertainment tell us how it’s done.

Arts & culture Nature

The Finnish island where Moomin author Tove Jansson used to live still inspires artists

Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomin books, spent almost 30 summers on Klovharun, a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland. Since then, hundreds of artists have enjoyed week-long residencies at the isolated, inspiring location.

Arts & culture Architecture

Eye-catching Helsinki architecture: Exploring more Finnish art nouveau marvels

With camera in hand, we tour the array of photogenic façades and timeless charm on display in Helsinki’s numerous art nouveau buildings.

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Life & society Students

Studying in Finland: Exchange students share their experiences

Check out what three exchange students have to say about their university experience in Finland.

Life & society Sustainability

Good news: Finland tops the Good Country Index

Out of 174 countries, Finland contributes the most to the common good of humanity relative to its size, according to a new study.

Arts & culture Festivals

Finnish lightscapes: Festivals light up the night in Finland

Every winter, Finnish cities shine with light festivals showcasing works by both Finnish and international artists. You can see what they’re all about in our video.

Life & society Webpick

Finnish sauna offers a warm welcome for people from all walks of life

In Finland, sauna is not a rare luxury, but a central part of the culture. In fact, did you know that there are more saunas than cars in Finland?

Christmas Christmas traditions

Calm and harmony: A relaxing sauna continues to be a Finnish Christmas tradition

A steaming hot sauna, softly illuminated and filled with the fragrant aroma of birch leaves, is a centuries-old Finnish tradition intended to bring calmness, harmony and peace before the start of Christmas celebrations.

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

things you should and shouldn’t know