Finland is a small country whose population makes up just 0.7% of the world’s total. Small but unique – that’s how you could describe this country of “Angry Birds” and “Nokia.” What better symbols of Finland than saunas, Santa Claus, and the Northern Lights? It’s also worth mentioning economic stability, personal safety, tolerance, and freedom – all of which contribute to making the Finns one of the happiest nations in the world!

Interesting facts

• Finland is one of the most stable countries in the world.
• Finland has more lakes and forests than any other country in Europe!
• The tap water in Helsinki is among the cleanest in the world, and the air in Lapland is the purest in Europe.
• Finland is considered one of the safest countries globally, with the lowest rates of stolen wallets and phones.
• The country has a strong connection with the arts – from elegant Scandinavian design to world-famous rock bands.
• Finland is not only one of the most advanced but also one of the most peaceful countries (Fragile States Index 2016).
• Every year, Finland hosts the Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships.

People

Finns are typically reserved, but their communication style depends on the situation. In professional settings, they are very businesslike and straight to the point, avoiding unnecessary small talk.
However, Finns tend to be introverted and distant until they get to know someone. Making friends might not be easy at first, but living in student housing and attending various events will help you connect with locals and discover their warm and friendly side.

Religion

Finns are not particularly religious. Attending church services regularly or participating actively in religious activities is not very common. Finland does not have a state religion. The majority of the population (85.6%) are Lutherans, while Orthodox Christians—mostly residing in the eastern parts of the country—make up 1.1%. About 12.7% of Finns identify as atheists.

Language

Most people might assume that Finnish is one of the Scandinavian languages. However, this is not the case. The Finnish language is not genetically related to Swedish or Norwegian. The only European language with similarities to Finnish is Hungarian. The longest Finnish word is  epäjärjestelmällistyttämättömyydelläänsäkäänköhän, which loosely translates to "I wonder if, even with her lack of organization..." Despite Finnish being complex, Finns speak excellent English. Most foreign programs and films are broadcast in their original language with subtitles.

Leisure time

In Finland, sports are one of the most popular activities among young people. Statistically, one in four Finns regularly attends a gym or belongs to a sports club. It's common to see people walking or jogging in the streets. Universities also offer a wide range of sports-related extracurricular activities. Taking part in these activities is one of the easiest ways to meet new people and expand your social circle. On weekend evenings, Finns often go to bars and nightclubs, while during the day they visit art galleries and cinemas. Finland also hosts many festivals, which are great opportunities to meet local youth.

Food

Traditionally, Finnish cuisine has relied on ingredients that can withstand long winters. These include salted, pickled, smoked products, fats, and preserved foods. Overall, Finnish cuisine is quite modest, not very diverse, and not widely known internationally. However, Finland is renowned for its fishing traditions. You can try many types of fish and discover different preparation methods. One traditional method is smoking salmon over an open fire. Another notable delicacy is muikku – small fish similar in size to sprats, which are caught in large quantities and fried in hot oil. Finns also have traditional pastries, such as Karelian pies, which were originally made with carrots and beets, and later with rice.

Transport

Getting around in Finland using public transport is very convenient – the country has a well-developed bus and train infrastructure. In the capital city, you’ll also find trams and a metro system. Public transport operates almost 24/7, so you’ll be able to get home whether it's early morning or afternoon. Traveling between cities is also easy and hassle-free.

Work

Citizens of the European Union who are studying at a higher education institution in Finland can live and work in the country without any restrictions. You can look for jobs online, in newspapers, or by asking other students or the university administration. More information is available [here].