thisisFINLAND

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

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

Life & society Environment

Peatland restoration strengthens Finland’s biodiversity

Increased government funding is good news for efforts to restore some of the country’s most widespread and important natural habitats. Put on your boots and step with us into the swamps of the Finnish countryside (article includes slideshow).

Arts & culture Environment

Finnish film industry features carbon-neutral production

Reduction of carbon emissions is trending in the film industry. We visit an island off the coast of Finland to see what it takes to make a carbon-neutral movie.

Life & society Helsinki

Snow brings light and life to Helsinki

In recent years, southern Finland has experienced a prevalence of comparatively mild winters, in line with predictions and observations of climate change. Every so often, though, a series of snowstorms changes the way Helsinki residents look at their city (article includes slideshow).

Finland emojis

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Facts, stats and info Webcam

Helsinki South Harbour and surroundings by webcam

Webcam view from Makasiini Terminal, South Harbour, Port of Helsinki Webcam view from South Harbour, Port of Helsinki

Business & innovation Arctic

Climate change doesn’t erase the need for Finnish icebreaker innovations

While climate change is increasingly visible in the decreasing extent of sea ice in the Arctic and the Baltic, conditions are still harsh, and icebreaking ships remain as relevant as ever. We check in with Finland’s Aker Arctic, a major name in the world of icebreakers, to see what it really means to break the ice.

Life & society Language

“I’m a wizard,” and other thoughts about learning Finnish online

An American in Finland takes Duolingo’s online Finnish language course for a trial run. Is learning Finnish a sprint or a marathon?

Life & society Webpick

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin featured on TIME100 Next list

The American magazine TIME includes Sanna Marin in its annually published list of leaders who are emerging to shape the future.

Business & innovation Environment

Finnish innovations for overcoming plastic waste

The world needs a wide range of innovations if it is to rise to the challenge of reducing single-use plastic. Numerous start-ups and companies in Finland are working to devise solutions.

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

things you should and shouldn’t know