Zena Iovino

3 weeks ago | yle.fi | Zena Iovino

Finns have liked to say that being born in Finland is like winning the lottery, a nod to the public services provided by the welfare state. In the autumn of 1984, more than 70 percent of Finns completely agreed with the statement that it is a "blessing and a privilege" to be born Finnish. Last autumn, exactly 40 years later, only 38 percent expressed the same level of satisfaction, reports Helsingin Sanomat, citing a study by business-leaning think-tank Eva.

4 weeks ago | yle.fi | Zena Iovino |Ronan Browne

Will steamy vibes or sizzling performances bring Eurovision (ESC) glory to Finland? In an unprecedented twist, Finland is sending not one but two acts: one officially, and one unofficially. As the contest heats up in Basel, we have everything you need to know about the battle between bold pop and sauna-fuelled satire. Finland's entry, Erika Vikman, serves up a sultry pop song, while Ostrobothnian comedio trio KAJ, representing Sweden, is looking to melt audiences with their sauna serenade.

1 month ago | yle.fi | Zena Iovino |Ronan Browne

Finland has seen a dramatic rise in the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) over the past decade. Figures published earlier this year by public health authority THL showed that more than 11 percent of primary school age (7-12) boys had an ADHD diagnosis in 2023, a sharp increase on the proportion of just 3.3 percent registered in 2015.

1 month ago | yle.fi | Zena Iovino

The government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) has been making spending cuts since taking office. Now, it's switching to stimulus. Helsingin Sanomat takes a closer look at what this week's government midterm budget session could mean for the years 2026 to 2029. The government is expected to set aside its austerity tools and turn its focus toward reviving economic growth.

1 month ago | yle.fi | Egan Richardson |Zena Iovino

Finland goes to the polls this weekend to elect thousands of municipal and county councillors — but is turnout what it could be? Foreign-background voters have been slower to head to the ballot boxes than the general population, and that could have a growing impact as the population diversifies. We asked researcher Josefina Sipinen about Finland's democratic deficit — and especially the reluctance to get involved.