Latest society & culture news and updates from Finland in English.
Homeowners in Central Finland face sharp rises in housing cooperative fees as water, waste, and heating costs surge. Experts cite energy prices and infrastructure investment, squeezing household budgets in a critical election-year issue. The increases test the affordability of Finland's widespread cooperative housing model.
A minor car accident in Virrat, Finland, on St. Stephen's Day highlights the persistent risks of winter driving. With 224 road fatalities in 2022, such incidents are a common feature of Finnish winters, demanding constant vigilance from drivers and policymakers alike. Explore the data and expert insights behind Finland's ongoing battle for safer roads.
A minor car crash in Virrat on Boxing Day highlights Finland's ongoing winter road safety challenges. The incident underscores the need for vigilant driving and robust policies in harsh Nordic conditions. Explore how Finnish authorities and EU directives work to prevent such accidents.
Three Finnish teenagers receive conditional prison sentences for using a modified, high-capacity firearm in a music video. The case highlights tensions between Finland's strict gun laws, youth culture, and rising concerns about juvenile crime.
A car slid off an icy road in Multia, Finland, on Friday morning, resulting in no injuries. This incident highlights the ongoing risks of winter driving in the Nordic region and the importance of safety measures.
Police in Kouvola, Finland, are investigating the cause of a van fire that burned overnight in the Kaunisnurmi district. No injuries were reported, but the investigation will determine if the blaze was accidental or deliberate. The incident highlights the forensic work behind understanding vehicle fires.
Three Finnish teenagers have been sentenced to conditional imprisonment for filming a music video with a modified, functional gun. The Helsinki court's ruling marks a firm stance against glorifying gun violence on social media. The case highlights tensions between youth culture, illegal firearms, and Finland's strict gun laws.
Finnish police are investigating a van fire that erupted overnight in Kouvola. No injuries were reported, but authorities are working to determine if the blaze was accidental or deliberately set. The incident highlights the meticulous process behind Finland's fire investigations.
A 1970s rescue mission by teacher Kyllikki Pukki saved ten traditional Finnish weaving patterns from extinction. Her work on the Luumäki 'kuvatäkki' coverlet is now fueling a modern craft revival, connecting new generations to a tangible piece of cultural heritage.
A new survey reveals a hidden Finnish holiday habit: one in three adults secretly sells unwanted Christmas gifts. This growing trend pits traditional gift-giving etiquette against the rise of online marketplaces and a desire for sustainable consumption. Discover the social and economic forces driving Finland's secret post-holiday sales.
A third of Finnish adults secretly sell unwanted Christmas gifts, a new survey reveals. This growing trend pits practical sustainability against deep-seated social etiquette, creating a nation of discreet post-holiday resellers.
Finnish police faced a surge in emergency calls over Christmas, with incidents ranging from domestic disputes to public disturbances. Experts point to holiday stress and alcohol as key factors. This report analyzes the seasonal trend and its implications for public safety resources.
Finnish police faced over 1,200 disturbance calls during Christmas, with incidents concentrated in homes and restaurants. Experts link the surge to holiday stress and alcohol, calling it a predictable social crisis. Read the full analysis of Finland's seasonal policing challenge.
Finnish firefighters delivered a Christmas miracle in Toivakka, rescuing a dog trapped in a freezing stream. The successful operation highlights Finland's integrated animal welfare policies and the broad mandate of its emergency services. This heartwarming story reflects deeper societal values about compassion and public safety.
The 2012 closure of the Äänekoski paperboard mill shattered lives but also forced new beginnings. This deep-dive explores how three Finnish workers adapted after the shutdown, framing their personal stories within the massive structural decline of Finland's iconic paper industry and its uncertain high-tech future.
Jarmo Argillander, owner of Central Finland's top lifetime-production dairy herd, is shutting down his farm. His story exposes the severe economic and social pressures forcing skilled Finnish farmers to quit, threatening rural communities and national food security.
A major search is underway in Rauma, Finland, for a 76-year-old woman missing since Christmas Eve. Police and volunteer rescue teams are combing the area after she was last seen at the old cemetery. The operation highlights Finland's emergency response protocols during winter.
A major search is underway in Rauma, Finland, for a 76-year-old woman missing since Christmas Eve. Police and volunteer rescue teams are combing the area south of the city. The community remains hopeful as the operation continues through the holiday.
A Christmas Eve telehandler fire in Perho, Finland, resulted in no injuries thanks to quick on-site response. This incident highlights the effectiveness of Finland's fire safety training and emergency services, while raising questions about machinery maintenance and EU regulations. Read our in-depth analysis of the policy implications for workplace safety in rural areas.
A telehandler fire in Perho, Finland, on Christmas Eve was contained by on-site personnel before firefighters arrived, preventing total loss. The incident highlights cold-weather risks for heavy machinery and Finland's effective emergency response culture. Experts stress the critical role of maintenance and immediate local action in industrial safety.
Finnish MP and former Employment Minister Arto Satonen broke his wrist in a Christmas Eve fall at a holiday resort. The injury to the senior National Coalition Party figure highlights the physical demands of political life and raises practical questions about his work during recovery.
A Christmas Eve house fire in Espoo's Mankkaa district saw a swift rescue response, with no injuries reported. The incident highlights seasonal fire risks and the importance of safety vigilance, even during holiday celebrations.
A large-scale search is underway in Rauma, Finland, for a 76-year-old woman missing since Christmas Eve. Police and volunteers are focusing on areas south of the city based on public tips, as concerns grow over freezing overnight temperatures.
Helsinki's Hurstinapu charity was forced to turn away 300 people from its annual Christmas meal, revealing stark gaps in Finland's social safety net. The overflow crowd highlights rising poverty and loneliness, sparking a political debate on inequality. Experts warn that charities are now bearing a unsustainable burden in the Nordic welfare state.