Four things that make people living in Finland happy
We asked Finnair employees living in Finland to share their favourite things about their home country. Not surprisingly, many of the answers were related to the surrounding nature and Finnish society, which people perceive as safe and full of possibilities.
Welcome to Finland – a country in northern Europe with a relatively small population, 5.5 million inhabitants. Despite being remote and sparsely populated, there are many things worth seeing and to be proud of. We interviewed our own employees to find out their favourite and most valued things about Finland.
1. Always nearby nature and four different seasons
In Finland, nature is seen as one of the most valuable things in people’s lives. Wherever you live and are, nature is always either right there or very close by and quickly accessible. Everyman's rights ensure that everyone is free to roam, breathe in nature’s beauty and the freshest air, and swim in the fresh waters.
“Sure, you can also find breathtaking views and nature from elsewhere. But here you can take one step from your door, and you are already in such fresh and clean nature and able to enjoy the perks of the everyman’s rights,” says one Finnair employee.
With four different seasons, Finns can make the most of nature’s diversity and variability. Our winters are dark – the sun doesn’t even rise for almost two months in Lapland. In contrast, you are suddenly surrounded by bright colours and plenty of daylight, late spring or early summer each year. The Finnish summer and its miraculous white nights are something everyone should experience.
Autumn, in turn, is the time for the stunning autumn foliage, mushroom picking and seeing the Northern Lights when the nights get darker. And then again, all the snowy activities await in the winter, including Finn’s favourite way to wake up their body and clear their mind: ice-swimming in the freezing cold water.
2. Safe and steady environment to live in
Along with the surrounding nature, Finnair employees highly value Finnish society, meaning safety, free high-quality education, equal opportunities, public healthcare and freedom. Safety is seen as one of the most important aspects in Finland. Finns feel safe to walk alone at night when it's dark, and parents are comfortable letting their kids walk to school by themselves.
Free education, which ensures equal opportunities for kids regardless of their family's economic backgrounds, and free public healthcare are also highly valued. Simplicity and ease of life are also mentioned in forms such as public transportation and high-quality infrastructure—many things "just work".
3. The very Finnish things
Finnair employees also favour ”typical Finnish things”, such as the Finnish sauna and swimming in natural waters, as a way to relax. Enjoying the low population density and peace and quiet is also seen as very important. There might be jokes about the Finnish preference for having lots of personal space, but us Finns just truly enjoy it.
Quality food with fresh ingredients is something Finns are passionate about as well, and the old favourites, such as the traditional salmon soup or salty liquorice, are worth a try. One thing that Finns certainly enjoy is a cup of coffee, or in fact, multiple cups of them throughout the day. Did you know that Finns are the heaviest coffee drinkers in the world?
4. Trustworthy and friendly people
The final popular thing Finnair employees mention is the fellow people living in Finland, who they perceive as warm and welcoming. Respect, honesty, and trust are the basis of people’s values, with also a good sense of humour. While Finns can be modest and quiet, they are also ready to help and give you space when needed.
What is your favourite thing about Finland? We listed here more reasons to visit.