Editing Finland (section)

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Finland}}

=== Literature ===
{{Main|Finnish literature}}
[[File:Tove Jansson 1956.jpg|thumb|upright|Writer and artist [[Tove Jansson]]]]
Written Finnish could be said to have existed since [[Mikael Agricola]] translated the [[New Testament]] into Finnish during the [[Protestant Reformation]], but few notable works of literature were written until the 19th century and the beginning of a Finnish national [[Romanticism|Romantic Movement]]. This prompted [[Elias Lönnrot]] to collect Finnish and Karelian folk poetry and arrange and publish them as the ''[[Kalevala]]'', the Finnish [[national epic]]. The era saw a rise of poets and novelists who wrote in Finnish, notably the national writer of Finland, [[Aleksis Kivi]] (''[[The Seven Brothers]]''), and [[Minna Canth]], [[Eino Leino]], and [[Juhani Aho]]. Many writers of the national awakening wrote in Swedish, such as the national poet [[J. L. Runeberg]] (''[[The Tales of Ensign Stål]]'') and [[Zachris Topelius]].

After Finland became independent, there was a rise of [[Modernist literature|modernist writers]], most famously the Swedish-speaking poet [[Edith Södergran]]. Finnish-speaking authors explored national and historical themes. Most famous of them were [[Frans Eemil Sillanpää]], who was awarded the [[Nobel Prize in Literature]] in 1939, historical novelist [[Mika Waltari]], and [[Väinö Linna]] with his ''[[The Unknown Soldier (novel)|The Unknown Soldier]]'' and [[Under the North Star trilogy|''Under the North'' Star trilogy]]. Beginning with [[Paavo Haavikko]], Finnish poetry adopted modernism. Besides Lönnrot's ''Kalevala'' and Waltari, the Swedish-speaking [[Tove Jansson]], best known as the creator of ''[[The Moomins]]'', is the most translated Finnish writer;<ref>[https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnish_post_honours_moomin_creator_jansson/7061316 Finnish post honours Moomin creator Jansson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925000242/https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnish_post_honours_moomin_creator_jansson/7061316 |date=25 September 2020 }} – YLE News</ref> her books have been translated into more than 40 languages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finland.fi/arts-culture/tove-jansson-and-the-moomin-story/|title=Finland's Tove Jansson and the Moomin story|date=11 March 2014|website=thisisFINLAND|access-date=16 August 2020|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812041920/https://finland.fi/arts-culture/tove-jansson-and-the-moomin-story/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Visual arts, design, and architecture ===
{{See also|Architecture of Finland|Finnish art}}
[[File:Sammon puolustus.jpg|thumb|right|[[Akseli Gallen-Kallela]], ''[[The Defense of the Sampo]]'', 1896, [[Turku Art Museum]]]]
The visual arts in Finland started to form their characteristics in the 19th century when [[Romantic nationalism]] was rising in autonomic Finland. The best known Finnish painters, [[Akseli Gallen-Kallela]], started painting in a [[Realism (arts)|naturalist]] style but moved to national romanticism. Other notable painters of the era include [[Pekka Halonen]], [[Eero Järnefelt]], [[Helene Schjerfbeck]] and [[Hugo Simberg]]. In the late 20th century, the homoerotic art of Touko Laaksonen, pseudonym [[Tom of Finland]], found a worldwide audience.<ref>Arell, Berndt; Mustola, Kati (2006). ''Tom of Finland: Ennennäkemätöntä – Unforeseen'', p. 187.</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tom of Finland stamps on sale Monday; Finland's biggest seller ever|url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/tom_of_finland_stamps_on_sale_monday_finlands_biggest_seller_ever/7459075|access-date=15 January 2015|work=Yle Uutiset|date=8 September 2014|archive-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211064900/http://yle.fi/uutiset/tom_of_finland_stamps_on_sale_monday_finlands_biggest_seller_ever/7459075|url-status=live}}</ref>

Finland's best-known sculptor of the 20th century was [[Wäinö Aaltonen]], remembered for his monumental [[Bust (sculpture)|busts]] and sculptures. The works of [[Eila Hiltunen]] and [[Laila Pullinen]] exemplifies the [[modernism]] in sculpture.

Finns have made major contributions to [[handicraft]]s and [[industrial design]]: among the internationally renowned figures are [[Timo Sarpaneva]], [[Tapio Wirkkala]] and [[Ilmari Tapiovaara]]. Finnish architecture is famous around the world, and has contributed significantly to several styles internationally, such as [[Jugendstil]] (or [[Art Nouveau]]), [[Nordic Classicism]] and [[Functionalism (architecture)|functionalism]]. Among the top 20th-century Finnish architects to gain international recognition are [[Eliel Saarinen]] and his son [[Eero Saarinen]]. Architect [[Alvar Aalto]] is regarded as among the most important 20th-century designers in the world;<ref>James Stevens Curl, ''Dictionary of Architecture'', Grange Books, Rochester, 2005, p. 1.</ref> he helped bring functionalist architecture to Finland, but soon was a pioneer in its development towards an [[Organic architecture|organic]] style.<ref>Sigfried Giedion, ''Space, Time and Architecture: The Growth of a New Tradition'', Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2nd edition, 1949.</ref> Aalto is also famous for his work in furniture, lamps, textiles, and [[glassware]], which were usually incorporated into his buildings.

=== Music ===
{{Main|Music of Finland|Sami music}}
[[File:10stringkantele02.jpg|thumb|left|The [[kantele]] is Finland's national and traditional instrument.]]
;Folk
Finnish folk music can be divided into Nordic dance music and the older tradition of poem singing, poems from which the national epic, the ''[[Kalevala]]'', was created.
Much of Finland's classical music is influenced by traditional Finnish and Karelian melodies and lyrics, as comprised in the ''Kalevala''. In the historical region of [[Finnish Karelia]], as well as other parts of Eastern Finland, the old poem singing traditions were preserved better than in the western parts of the country. In the 19th century [[Nordic folk dance music]] largely replaced the kalevaic tradition. Finnish [[folk music]] has undergone a [[roots revival]] and has become a part of [[popular music]]. The people of northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway, the [[Sami people|Sami]], are known primarily for highly spiritual songs called [[joik]].

;Classical
[[File:Sibelius with notes.jpg|thumb|upright|The Finnish composer [[Jean Sibelius]] (1865–1957) was a significant figure in the history of [[European classical music|classical music]].]]
The first [[Finnish opera]] was written by the German-born composer [[Fredrik Pacius]] in 1852. Pacius also wrote the music to the poem [[Maamme|''Maamme/Vårt land'' (Our Country)]], Finland's [[national anthem]]. In the 1890s Finnish nationalism based on the ''Kalevala'' spread, and [[Jean Sibelius]] became famous for his vocal symphony ''[[Kullervo (Sibelius)|Kullervo]]''. In 1899 he composed ''[[Finlandia]]'', which played an important role in Finland gaining independence. He remains one of Finland's most popular national figures.

Alongside Sibelius, the distinct Finnish style of music was created by [[Oskar Merikanto]], [[Toivo Kuula]], [[Erkki Melartin]], [[Leevi Madetoja]] and [[Uuno Klami]]. Important modernist composers include [[Einojuhani Rautavaara]], [[Aulis Sallinen]] and [[Magnus Lindberg]], among others. [[Kaija Saariaho]] was ranked the world's greatest living composer in a 2019 composers' poll.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musicfinland.com/en/news/kaija-saariaho-voted-greatest-living-composer-by-bbc-music-magazine|title=Kaija Saariaho voted greatest living composer by BBC Music Magazine|website=Music Finland|language=en-us|access-date=9 January 2023|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603033428/https://musicfinland.com/en/news/kaija-saariaho-voted-greatest-living-composer-by-bbc-music-magazine|url-status=live}}</ref> Many Finnish musicians have achieved international success. Among them are the conductor [[Esa-Pekka Salonen]], the opera singer [[Karita Mattila]] and the violinist [[Pekka Kuusisto]].

;Popular music
[[File:Apocalyptica1.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[Perttu Kivilaakso]] of [[Apocalyptica]]]]
''Iskelmä'' (coined directly from the German word ''[[Schlager]]'', meaning "hit") is a traditional Finnish word for a light popular song.Finnish popular music also includes various kinds of [[dance music]]; [[Tango music|tango]], a style of [[Music of Argentina|Argentine music]], is also popular.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Explaining the Finnish love of tango |author=C.G. |newspaper=The Economist |date=11 October 2017 |access-date=18 July 2020 |url=https://www.economist.com/prospero/2017/10/11/explaining-the-finnish-love-of-tango |archive-date=23 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123044316/https://www.economist.com/prospero/2017/10/11/explaining-the-finnish-love-of-tango |url-status=live }}</ref> The light music in Swedish-speaking areas has more influences from Sweden. At least a couple of Finnish [[polka]]s are known worldwide, such as ''[[Säkkijärven polkka]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/how-the-finns-stopped-the-soviets-with-this-polka-song/|title=How the Finns stopped the Soviets with this polka song|date=6 August 2020|access-date=5 March 2021|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120064329/https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/how-the-finns-stopped-the-soviets-with-this-polka-song/|url-status=live}}</ref> and "{{lang|fi|[[Ievan polkka]]}}".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musicfinland.com/en/news/finnish-jenkka-song-took-over-japans-department-stores|title=Finnish jenkka song took over Japan's department stores|website=Music Finland|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930160000/https://musicfinland.com/en/news/finnish-jenkka-song-took-over-japans-department-stores|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the 1970s, [[progressive rock]] group [[Wigwam (Finnish band)|Wigwam]] and [[rock and roll]] group [[Hurriganes]] gained respect abroad. The Finnish [[Punk rock|punk]] scene produced some internationally acknowledged names including [[Terveet Kädet]] in the 1980s. [[Hanoi Rocks]] was a pioneering [[glam rock]] act.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304587704577333813382925678|title=Guns N' Roses Can Agree on at Least One Thing: This Finnish Saxophonist Rocks|last=Shah|first=Neil|date=15 April 2012|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=8 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208180953/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304587704577333813382925678|url-status=live}}</ref> Many Finnish [[Heavy metal music|metal bands]] have gained international recognition; Finland has been often called the "Promised Land of Heavy Metal" because there are more than 50 metal Bands for every 100,000 inhabitants – more than any other nation in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finland.fi/arts-culture/finnish-metropolises-vie-to-win-capital-of-metal/|title=Finnish metropolises vie to win Capital of Metal|date=8 May 2018|website=thisisFINLAND|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=1 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401024138/https://finland.fi/arts-culture/finnish-metropolises-vie-to-win-capital-of-metal/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.famouscampaigns.com/2019/07/finlands-stage-worlds-first-heavy-metal-knitting-championship/|title=Finland stage world's first heavy metal knitting championship|first=Famous|last=Campaigns|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530235534/https://www.famouscampaigns.com/2019/07/finlands-stage-worlds-first-heavy-metal-knitting-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> Modern Finnish popular music includes a number of prominent [[Rock music in Finland|rock musicians]], pop musicians, [[jazz]] musicians, [[hip-hop]] performers, and dance music acts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suomalainen musiikki jyrää, mutta mihin katosivat kotimaiset bändit? Toni Wirtanen lataa tiskiin rajun näkemyksen: 'Pienen porukan varassa ollaan' |last=Lempinen |first=Marko |work=Ilta-Sanomat |date=11 July 2019 |access-date=18 April 2023 |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000006170555.html |language=fi |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418173806/https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000006170555.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 September 2014|title=Don't mess with Finnish jazz|url=https://finland.fi/arts-culture/dont-mess-with-finnish-jazz/|access-date=1 September 2020|website=thisisFINLAND|language=en-US|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930160413/https://finland.fi/arts-culture/dont-mess-with-finnish-jazz/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hiphop Suomessa |work=BoomBox |access-date=18 April 2023 |url=https://boombox.fi/boombox-festivaali/hiphop-suomessa/ |language=fi |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418173808/https://boombox.fi/boombox-festivaali/hiphop-suomessa/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YleX:n 100 suurta suomalaista konemusiikkibiisiä -listaus on nyt valmis – kolmen kärkeen Darude, Bomfunk MC's ja Slusnik Luna |publisher=YleX |date=15 December 2016 |access-date=18 April 2023 |url= https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2016/12/10/ylexn-100-suurta-suomalaista-konemusiikkibiisia-listaus-on-nyt-valmis-kolmen |language=fi }}</ref>

Finland has won the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] once in 2006 when [[Lordi]] won the contest with the song [[Hard Rock Hallelujah|<nowiki>''Hard Rock Hallelujah''</nowiki>]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision 2006 Results: Voting & Points |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2006 |access-date=8 June 2023 |website=Eurovisionworld |language=en-gb |archive-date=6 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206204915/https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Finnish pop artist [[Käärijä]] also got second place in the contest in 2023 with his worldwide hit song [[Cha Cha Cha (Käärijä song)|<nowiki>''Cha Cha Cha''</nowiki>]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision 2023 Results: Voting & Points |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2023 |access-date=8 June 2023 |website=Eurovisionworld |language=en-gb |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523074229/https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2023 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Official Chart Record! Why 2023 is contest's biggest year yet |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/eurovision-official-chart-record-loreen-kaeaerijae-mae-muller-and-alessandra-reach-uk-top-10-simultaneously__39322/ |access-date=8 June 2023 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519174018/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/eurovision-official-chart-record-loreen-kaeaerijae-mae-muller-and-alessandra-reach-uk-top-10-simultaneously__39322/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Cinema and television ===
{{Main|Cinema of Finland|Television in Finland}}
{{See also|Lists of Finnish films}}
[[File:Aki Kaurismäki at Berlinale 2017.jpg|alt=Aki Kaurismäki in 2012|thumb|upright|Film director [[Aki Kaurismäki]]]]
In the film industry, notable modern directors include brothers [[Mika Kaurismäki|Mika]] and [[Aki Kaurismäki]], [[Dome Karukoski]], [[Antti Jokinen]], [[Jalmari Helander]], and [[Renny Harlin]]. Some Finnish [[Drama (film and television)|drama series]] are internationally known, such as ''[[Bordertown (Finnish TV series)|Bordertown]]''.<ref>[https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-9433336 YLE: Syke, Sorjonen ja Suomi Love myyvät maailmalla, mutta Presidentti ei maistunut kriitikoille] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928085334/https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-9433336 |date=28 September 2020 }} {{in lang|fi}}.</ref>

One of the most internationally successful Finnish films are ''[[The White Reindeer]]'', directed by [[Erik Blomberg]] in 1952, which won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film]] in 1956;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.awardsandshows.com/features/best-foreign-film-506.html |title=List of Winners – Golden Globes Best Foreign Film |access-date=12 December 2013 |archive-date=2 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202061106/http://www.awardsandshows.com/features/best-foreign-film-506.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Sundholm|first1=John|last2=Thorsen|first2=Isak|last3=Andersson|first3=Lars Gustaf|last4=Hedling|first4=Olof|last5=Iversen|first5=Gunnar|last6=Møller|first6=Birgir Thor|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QktG6a4YnQYC&q=1957+golden+globe+best+foreign+film+white+reindeer&pg=PA390 |title= Historical Dictionary of Scandinavian Cinema (Google eBook) |access-date=12 December 2013|date = 20 September 2012| page=389 et seq|publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn = 978-0-8108-7899-0}}</ref> ''[[The Man Without a Past]]'', directed by Aki Kaurismäki in 2002, which was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]] in 2002 and won the [[Grand Prix (Cannes Film Festival)|Grand Prix]] at the [[2002 Cannes Film Festival]];<ref>{{cite web|last=Fauth|first=Jurgen|url=http://worldfilm.about.com/od/scandinavianfilm/fr/manwithoutpast.htm|title=The Man Without a Past|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906125603/http://worldfilm.about.com/od/scandinavianfilm/fr/manwithoutpast.htm |archive-date=6 September 2015|work=[[About.com]]|access-date=5 February 2008}}</ref> and ''[[The Fencer]]'', directed by [[Klaus Härö]] in 2015, which was nominated for the [[73rd Golden Globe Awards#Film|73rd Golden Globe Awards]] in the Best Foreign Language Film category as a Finnish/German/Estonian co-production.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/film/fencer|title=The Fencer|website=goldenglobes.com|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926091748/https://www.goldenglobes.com/film/fencer|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Finland, the most significant films include ''[[The Unknown Soldier (1955 film)|The Unknown Soldier]]'', directed by [[Edvin Laine]] in 1955.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnish_independence_day_galas_protests_and_war_memories/7671639|title=Finnish Independence Day: Galas, protests and war memories|website=Yle Uutiset|date=6 December 2014|access-date=23 November 2020|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108152004/https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnish_independence_day_galas_protests_and_war_memories/7671639|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Here, Beneath the North Star]]'' from 1968, is also one of the most significant works in Finnish history.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://lfq.salisbury.edu/_issues/48_1/agreeing_on_history_adaptation_as_restorative_truth_in_finnish_reconciliation.html|title=Agreeing on History Adaptation as Restorative Truth in Finnish Reconciliation, Mads Larsen, Literature Film Quarterly|website=lfq.salisbury.edu|date=January 2020 |access-date=23 November 2020|archive-date=10 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510215701/https://lfq.salisbury.edu/_issues/48_1/agreeing_on_history_adaptation_as_restorative_truth_in_finnish_reconciliation.html|url-status=live |last1=Larsen |first1=Mads }}</ref> A 1960 [[crime comedy film]] ''[[Inspector Palmu's Mistake (film)|Inspector Palmu's Mistake]]'', directed by [[Matti Kassila]], was voted in 2012 the best Finnish film of all time by Finnish film critics and journalists,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/kriitikot_valitsivat_kaikkien_aikojen_parhaan_kotimaisen_elokuvan/6372726 | title=Kriitikot valitsivat kaikkien aikojen parhaan kotimaisen elokuvan | publisher=Yle Uutiset | date=12 November 2012 | access-date=9 May 2014 | author=Sundqvist, Janne | language=fi | archive-date=13 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113021327/http://yle.fi/uutiset/kriitikot_valitsivat_kaikkien_aikojen_parhaan_kotimaisen_elokuvan/6372726 | url-status=live }}</ref> but the 1984 comedy film ''[[Uuno Turhapuro in the Army]]'', the ninth film in [[Uuno Turhapuro|''Uuno Turhapuro'' film series]], remains Finland's most seen domestic film made since 1968 by Finnish audience.<ref>[https://sketsi.net/uuno-turhapuro-armeijan-leivissa-elokuvat/ Uuno armeijan leivissä ja muut Turhapuro elokuvat] {{in lang|fi}}.</ref>

=== Media and communications ===
{{Main|Mass media in Finland}}

[[File:Sanomatalo - Helsinki - 13.9.2013.jpg|thumb|right|[[Sanomatalo]] houses several offices of newspapers and radio stations.]]
Today, there are around 200 [[List of newspapers in Finland|newspapers]], 320 popular magazines, 2,100 professional magazines, and 67 commercial radio stations. The largest newspaper is {{Lang|fi|[[Helsingin Sanomat]]}}, its circulation being 339,437 {{as of|2019|lc=yes}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=LT ja JT tarkastustilasto 2019 |trans-title=Circulation Statistics 2019 |url=https://mediaauditfinland.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LT-tilasto-2019.pdf#page=2 |page=2 |date=5 August 2020 |publisher=Media Audit Finland |access-date=18 April 2023 |language=fi |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418194635/https://mediaauditfinland.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LT-tilasto-2019.pdf#page=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Yle]], the Finnish Broadcasting Company, operates five [[Public broadcasting|television channels]] and thirteen radio channels. Each year, around 12,000 book titles are published.<ref name="Media moves">{{cite web |title=Media moves |url=http://finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=162833&contentlan=2&culture=en-US |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501141049/http://finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=162833&contentlan=2&culture=en-US |archive-date=1 May 2011 |work=ThisisFINLAND (Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland)}}</ref>

Thanks to its emphasis on transparency and equal rights, Finland's press has been rated the freest in the world.<ref>[http://www.newseum.org/news/2011/05/world-press-freedom.html 2010 Freedom of the Press Survey] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105114819/http://newseum.org/news/2011/05/world-press-freedom.html |date=5 November 2011}} (Retrieved 4 May 2011).</ref> Worldwide, Finns, along with other Nordic peoples and the Japanese, spend the most time reading newspapers.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Press Trends: Newspapers Still Reach More Than Internet |url=http://www.wan-ifra.org/press-releases/2011/10/12/world-press-trends-newspapers-still-reach-more-than-internet |publisher=World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers |access-date=19 November 2012 |archive-date=23 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123093454/http://www.wan-ifra.org/press-releases/2011/10/12/world-press-trends-newspapers-still-reach-more-than-internet |url-status=dead }}</ref> In regards to [[Telecommunications in Finland|telecommunication infrastructure]], Finland is  ranked third, below the United States and Singapore in the Portulan Institute's [[Network Readiness Index]] (NRI) – an indicator for determining the development level of a country's information and communication technologies.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 November 2024 |title=NRI 2024 Edition – Press Release |url=https://networkreadinessindex.org/nri-2024-edition-press-release |access-date=30 March 2024 |publisher=Portulans Institute}}</ref>

=== Sauna ===
{{Main|Finnish sauna}}
[[File:Smoke Sauna (395139052).jpg|thumb|left|A [[smoke sauna]] in [[Ruka, Finland|Ruka]], Kuusamo]]
The Finns' love for [[Finnish sauna|sauna]]s is generally associated with Finnish cultural tradition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/magazine/finland-happiest-country.html|title=My Miserable Week in the 'Happiest Country on Earth'|first=Molly|last=Young|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=2 May 2025|access-date=3 May 2025}}</ref> Sauna is a type of dry steam bath practiced widely in Finland, which is especially evident in the strong tradition around [[Midsummer]] and [[Christmas]]. The word sauna is of Proto-Finnish origin (found in Finnic and Sami languages) dating back 7,000 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sauna – A Finnish national institution |last1=Helamaa |first1=Erkki |last2=Pentikäinen |first2=Juha |work=Virtual Finland |date=November 2001 |url= http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=26074 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209130410/http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=26074 |archive-date=9 February 2008 |language=en }}</ref> Steam baths have been part of European tradition elsewhere as well, but the sauna has survived best in Finland, in addition to Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Norway, and parts of the United States and Canada. Moreover, nearly all Finnish houses have either their own sauna or in multi-story apartment houses, a timeshare sauna. Municipal swimming halls and hotels have often their own saunas. The [[Finnish sauna culture]] is inscribed on the [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists]].<ref>{{cite web| title= Sauna culture in Finland |url= https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/sauna-culture-in-finland-01596 |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title= Finnish sauna culture steams up UNESCO Heritage List |url= https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnish_sauna_culture_steams_up_unesco_heritage_list/11703917 |publisher=[[YLE]] |date=17 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Finnish cuisine}}
[[File:Ruisleipä-limppu reikäleipä reissumies hapankorppu-1.JPG|thumb|''[[Ruisleipä]]'', a dark [[sourdough]] [[rye bread]], holds the status of the [[national food]] in Finland.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 January 2017 |title=The people have spoken - rye bread is the national food |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-9413195}}</ref>]]
Finnish cuisine generally combines traditional country fare and contemporary style cooking. Potato, meat and [[Fish (food)|fish]] play a prominent role in traditional Finnish dishes. Finnish foods often use [[wholemeal]] products ([[rye]], [[barley]], [[oat]]s) and berries (such as [[bilberry|bilberries]], [[lingonberry|lingonberries]], [[cloudberry|cloudberries]], and [[sea buckthorn]]). Milk and its derivatives like [[buttermilk]] are commonly used as food and drink. The most popular fish food in Finland is [[salmon]].<ref>[https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/makuja/artikkeli/kalat-joita-suomalaiset-syovat-nyt-eniten-yksi-ylivoimainen-suosikki/6471418 "Kalat, joita suomalaiset syövät nyt eniten: Yksi ylivoimainen suosikki"]. ''MTV Uutiset'' {{in lang|fi}}.</ref><ref>[https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/index.php/eat-and-drink/4487-salmon-soup-is-one-of-many-lappish-wonders "Salmon soup is one of many Lappish wonders"]. ''[[Helsinki Times]]''.</ref>

Finland has the world's second highest per capita consumption of [[coffee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/chart/8602/top-coffee-drinking-nations/|title=The Countries Most Addicted to Coffee|website=statista.com|date=October 2020 }}</ref> Milk consumption is also high, at an average of about {{convert|112|litre}}, per person, per year,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.luke.fi/en/news/what-was-eaten-in-finland-in-2017|title=What was eaten in Finland in 2017|website=Luonnonvarakeskus|access-date=5 August 2019|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120123050/https://www.luke.fi/en/news/what-was-eaten-in-finland-in-2017/|url-status=dead}}</ref> even though 17% of the Finns are [[lactose intolerant]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.edunation.co/studyinfinland/blog/5-odd-facts-finland/|title=Odd Facts about Finland|website=edunation.co|date=19 September 2017|access-date=17 November 2018|archive-date=17 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117153004/https://www.edunation.co/studyinfinland/blog/5-odd-facts-finland/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Public holidays ===
{{Main|Public holidays in Finland|Flag flying days in Finland}}
There are several holidays in Finland, of which perhaps the most characteristic of Finnish culture include Christmas (''joulu''), Midsummer (''juhannus''), [[Vappu|May Day]] (''vappu'') and [[Independence Day (Finland)|Independence Day]] (''itsenäisyyspäivä''). Of these, Christmas and Midsummer are special in Finland because the actual festivities take place on eves, such as [[Christmas Eve]]<ref>''Llewellyn's Sabbats Almanac: Samhain 2010 to Mabon 2011'' p.64. Llewellyn Worldwide, 2010</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lHl61M4-nhwC&dq=Jultomten&pg=PT232|title=Festivals of Western Europe|page=202|publisher=Forgotten Books|year=1973|isbn=9781465579997 }}</ref> and [[Juhannus|Midsummer's Eve]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.finlit.fi/tietopalvelu/juhlat/juhannus/kokko.htm |title=Suomalaisen kirjallisuuden seura: Juhannuskokko |publisher=Finlit.fi |access-date=25 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212031052/http://www.finlit.fi/tietopalvelu/juhlat/juhannus/kokko.htm |archive-date=12 December 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.finlit.fi/tietopalvelu/juhlat/juhannus/koriste.htm |title=Suomalaisen kirjallisuuden seura: Koivunoksia ja maitoruokia |publisher=Finlit.fi |access-date=25 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212031056/http://www.finlit.fi/tietopalvelu/juhlat/juhannus/koriste.htm |archive-date=12 December 2012 }}</ref> while Christmas Day and Midsummer's Day are more consecrated to rest. Other public holidays in Finland are [[New Year's Day]], [[Epiphany (holiday)#Finland|Epiphany]], [[Good Friday]], [[Easter Sunday]] and [[Easter Monday]], [[Ascension Day]], [[All Saints' Day]] and [[Saint Stephen's Day#Finland|Saint Stephen's Day]]. All official holidays in Finland are established by Acts of Parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/kotimaa/a/a5ada22b-379b-4b8b-83ca-51bf6f97213c|title=Tänään on vietetty laskiaista – mutta tiedätkö, mistä päivässä on oikein kyse?|first=Samppa|last=Rautio|work=Iltalehti|date=5 March 2019|access-date=26 November 2020|language=fi}}</ref>

=== Sports ===
{{Main|Sport in Finland}}
{{See also|Finland at the Olympics}}
[[File:Finlandhockeybronze2010WinterOlympics.jpg|thumb|Finland's [[Finland men's national ice hockey team|men's national ice hockey team]] is [[IIHF World Ranking|ranked]] as one of the best in the world. The team has won four world championships (1995, 2011, 2019 and 2022) and one Olympic gold medal (2022).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yle.fi/news/3-12326320|title=Finland claims first-ever hockey gold at Beijing Olympics|work=[[Yle News]]|date=20 February 2022|access-date=20 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-20/beijing-winter-olympics-finald-beats-roc-ice-hockey-final/100846726|title=Finland wins historic Winter Olympics ice hockey gold medal after beating ROC team 2–1 in Beijing final|first=Simon|last=Smale|work=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=20 February 2022|access-date=20 February 2022}}</ref>]]
Various sporting events are popular in Finland. [[Pesäpallo]], the Finnish equivalent of American [[baseball]], is the [[national sport]] of Finland,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pesis.fi/pesis-info/in-english/|title=Introduction to the game|publisher=Pesäpalloliitto|language=Finnish|access-date=2 October 2022|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424192103/https://www.pesis.fi/pesis-info/in-english/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11648041|title=Pesäpallo otti sata vuotta sitten syntyaskelia|work=Yle|date=14 November 2020|access-date=2 October 2022|language=fi}}</ref> although the most popular sport in terms of spectators is [[ice hockey]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://mtv.fi/sport/mm2016/uutiset/artikkeli/leijonien-mm-finaalista-kaikkien-aikojen-katsotuin-jaakiekko-ottelu-suomessa/5908282| title = Leijonien MM-finaalista historian katsotuin jääkiekko-ottelu Suomessa!| publisher = MTV| date = 23 May 2016| access-date = 23 May 2016| archive-date = 23 May 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160523112821/http://www.mtv.fi/sport/mm2016/uutiset/artikkeli/leijonien-mm-finaalista-kaikkien-aikojen-katsotuin-jaakiekko-ottelu-suomessa/5908282| url-status = dead}}</ref> Other popular sports include [[Track and field|athletics]], [[cross-country skiing (sport)|cross-country skiing]], [[ski jumping]], [[association football|football]], [[volleyball]], and [[basketball]].<ref>[http://www.hs.fi/urheilu/a1393470059062 Valta vaihtui urheilussa: Suomalaiset arvostavat nyt enemmän futista kuin jääkiekkoa |Jalkapallo |HS]. Hs.fi (27 February 2014). Retrieved 18 May 2016.</ref> Association football is the most played team sport in terms of the number of players in the country.<ref>[http://yle.fi/urheilu/jalkapallo_nousi_arvostetuimmaksi_urheilulajiksi/7113110 Jalkapallo nousi arvostetuimmaksi urheilulajiksi |Yle Urheilu]. yle.fi. Retrieved 18 May 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.lansivayla.fi/artikkeli/369185-jalkapallolla-eniten-harrastajia-se-lyo-latkan-hiihto-on-alamaessa Jalkapallolla eniten harrastajia – se lyö lätkän, hiihto on alamäessä] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826183108/https://www.lansivayla.fi/artikkeli/369185-jalkapallolla-eniten-harrastajia-se-lyo-latkan-hiihto-on-alamaessa |date=26 August 2018 }}. ''Länsiväylä'' (28 February 2016). Retrieved 18 May 2016. {{in lang|fi}}.</ref> [[Finland national basketball team|Finland's national basketball team]] has received widespread public attention.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2014/news/Fan-power-Finn-power-The-tournament--begins--on-win |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171014092602/http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2014/news/Fan-power-Finn-power-The-tournament--begins--on-win |url-status= live |archive-date= 14 October 2017 |title= Fan power! Finn power! The tournament "begins" on a winning note for Dettman's team |date=31 August 2014 |publisher=FIBA.com |access-date=2 November 2014}}</ref>

In terms of medals and gold medals won per capita, Finland is the best-performing country in Olympic history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.medalspercapita.com/#medals-per-capita:all-time|title=Olympic Medals per Capita|website=medalspercapita.com|access-date=28 August 2012|archive-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730144712/http://www.medalspercapita.com/#medals-per-capita:all-time|url-status=dead}}</ref> Finland first participated as a nation in its own right at the [[Olympic Games]] in 1908. At the [[1912 Summer Olympics]], three gold medals were won by the original "[[Flying Finn]]" [[Hannes Kolehmainen]]. In the 1920s and '30s, Finnish long-distance runners dominated the Olympics, with [[Paavo Nurmi]] winning a total of nine Olympic gold medals and setting 22 official world records between 1921 and 1931. Nurmi is often considered the greatest Finnish sportsman and one of the greatest athletes of all time. The [[1952 Summer Olympics]] were held in Helsinki.

The [[javelin throw]] event has brought Finland nine Olympic gold medals, five world championships, five European championships, and 24 world records. Finland also has a notable history in [[figure skating]]. Finnish skaters have won 8 world championships and 13 junior world cups in synchronized skating.

Finnish competitors have achieved significant success in [[motorsport]]. In the [[World Rally Championship]], Finland has produced eight [[List of World Rally Championship Drivers' champions|world champions]], more than any other country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Nell |date=13 September 2018 |title=Why Finland loves rally |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/13/sport/rally-wrc-finland-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=15 October 2022 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> In [[Formula One]], Finland has won the most [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|world championship]]s per capita, with [[Keke Rosberg]], [[Mika Häkkinen]] and [[Kimi Räikkönen]] all having won the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=10 March 2008 |title=Formula One 2008: Why are Finnish drivers so good? |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/mar/10/formulaone17 |access-date=15 October 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

Some of the most popular recreational sports and activities include [[Nordic walking]], running, cycling and skiing. [[Floorball]] is the most popular youth and workplace sport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expat-finland.com/events/finnish_sports.html|title=Finnish Sports: Try the sports Finns love!|first=Stuart |last= Allt |website=Expat Finland}}</ref>