thisisFINLAND

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.

Arts & culture Visual arts

Art in the archipelago: Helsinki Biennial reflects global concerns

Exploring identity, interconnectedness and the ecological crisis, the event’s theme and subtitle, “The Same Sea,” is more relevant than ever in a world marked by a pandemic.

Life & society Environment

Finnish volunteers make a dent in Baltic Sea plastic pollution

Beach cleaners in the town of Hanko are helping to raise awareness about the perils of plastic and other waste in and around the Baltic.

Life & society Language

Extending your Finnish speech reach: Speaking Finnish like the Finns

When learning any language, you’ll notice that real people don’t talk exactly like the examples in your course literature. That’s the start of a new adventure, and you’ll soon sound more authentic than ever. We even have a list of spoken Finnish expressions to help you get going.

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 Innovation

Protein and power out of thin air: Finnish projects capture value in CO2

Finnish innovations are finding new uses for carbon dioxide, such as creating fuel or even food. Could this help save humanity from itself?

Life & society Politics

Expats take part in Finland’s municipal elections, held after two-month delay

This time, it’s personal. It’s local politics all over the nation. Finland’s municipal elections include a larger number of candidates than other levels of politics. Foreign residents can vote or run for office, too.

Business & innovation Webpick

Ideas for a better life: Millennium Technology Prize livestream and online innovation forum

The 2020 Millennium Technology Prize winner is announced at a livestreamed ceremony on May 18, 2021. The ceremony is followed by a virtual event, the Millennium Innovation Forum, held online on May 19.

Life & society Sustainability

Circular economy success: Finland’s recycling programme keeps bottles and cans off the streets

We see how Finland’s deposit system for bottles and cans achieves a recycling rate of more than 90 percent, and how city administrators and event organisers supplement the system with their own resourceful programmes.

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

things you should and shouldn’t know