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Finland

Finland is a country in Northern Europe, bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea.

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Debris in wooded area from drone that crashed near Kouvola Finland on March 29, 2026

Debris in wooded area from drone that crashed near Kouvola Finland on March 29, 2026

Finnish police say stray Ukrainian drone carried warhead

Finnish authorities are investigating two drones that crashed in southern Finland. Kyiv apologized for the incident.

Police vehicles near the Savistontie in Kouvola, Finland on March 29, 2026

Police vehicles near the Savistontie in Kouvola, Finland on March 29, 2026

Finland reports drone crashes, alleges territorial violation

Two unidentified drones crashed in Finland. According to the prime minister, the drones may have been Ukrainian.

Preparations for an Arctic research dive: Divers sitting on icy ground in scuba gear, with people behind them helping them prep

Preparations for an Arctic research dive: Divers sitting on icy ground in scuba gear, with people behind them helping them prep

Ice diving for climate research

In Finland, researchers train beneath Lake Kilpisjarvi’s ice to prepare for climate research expeditions in the Arctic.

People use their phones

People use their phones

Social media makes people unhappy — World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report found that life satisfaction among under-25s in some English-speaking countries has fallen.

A Fenno-Skan 2 substation

A Fenno-Skan 2 substation

Disruption hits power link between Finland and Sweden

Fenno-Skan 2 is expected to remain offline for hours after a malfunction at a substation

A snow-covered wooden cabin with triangular window amid a snowy pine forest under crescent moon, a heat pump is visible alongside the facade

A snow-covered wooden cabin with triangular window amid a snowy pine forest under crescent moon, a heat pump is visible alongside the facade

Yes, heat pumps really work in freezing cold weather

People are increasingly using heat pumps to warm their homes. The devices save money and are good for the environment.

Moss-covered statue of a child sitting in the forest, looking at a bitten apple.

Moss-covered statue of a child sitting in the forest, looking at a bitten apple.

The moss people: Kim Simonsson’s sculptures

Finnish artist Kim Simonsson creatures come to life in nature.

DW | Euromaxx | Deutschland | Kitty Steiner und der Stil der 60er Jahre

DW | Euromaxx | Deutschland | Kitty Steiner und der Stil der 60er Jahre

Living the '60s with Kitty Steiner

1960's revisited, the fortress of Carcassonne, and Italian focaccia.

A Border Guard helicopter and a Coast Guard patrol ship Turva seize the Fitburg vessel suspected of a subsea cable breach in the Gulf of Finland on 31 December 2025, in this handout picture obtained on January 1, 2026

A Border Guard helicopter and a Coast Guard patrol ship Turva seize the Fitburg vessel suspected of a subsea cable breach in the Gulf of Finland on 31 December 2025, in this handout picture obtained on January 1, 2026

Finnish police arrest 2 over undersea cable damage

They were part of the crew aboard a cargo vessel suspected of severing a telecom cable linking Finland and Estonia.

A Finnish Coast Guard ship intercepts a vessel suspected of damaging a submarine telecommunications cable

A Finnish Coast Guard ship intercepts a vessel suspected of damaging a submarine telecommunications cable

Finland seizes vessel suspected of damaging undersea cable

European countries are on high alert following a series of suspected sabotage attacks on underwater cables and pipelines

A car stops after passing a downed tree during Storm Johannes, in Mora, Sweden, on December 27, 2025

A car stops after passing a downed tree during Storm Johannes, in Mora, Sweden, on December 27, 2025

Major winter storm sweeps across Nordic states

In Sweden, a person was killed by a falling branch, while power cuts hit thousands of homes in Finland and Norway.

An inflatable Santa, sleigh and reindeer in front of a home in Bavaria. There are a few patches of snow on the ground, the decorations are mostly surrounded by damp grass

An inflatable Santa, sleigh and reindeer in front of a home in Bavaria. There are a few patches of snow on the ground, the decorations are mostly surrounded by damp grass

Can Santa Claus survive in a melting world?

On a warmer planet snowy winters aren't always a certainty. Those looking for classic Christmas traditions are adapting.

The image shows an outdoor scene, likely on a training ground. In the foreground, two people are leaning over technical equipment. One person is wearing camouflage clothing, the other a black jacket and a pink cap. Both are handling cables and a voltage tester connected to a red Honda generator. Next to it is another red technical device, possibly a charger or control unit. In the background, more individuals can be seen dressed in casual or sportswear. The setting is green, with grassy areas and trees, suggesting a rural or military training environment.

The image shows an outdoor scene, likely on a training ground. In the foreground, two people are leaning over technical equipment. One person is wearing camouflage clothing, the other a black jacket and a pink cap. Both are handling cables and a voltage tester connected to a red Honda generator. Next to it is another red technical device, possibly a charger or control unit. In the background, more individuals can be seen dressed in casual or sportswear. The setting is green, with grassy areas and trees, suggesting a rural or military training environment.

Finland on alert as Russia bolsters military along border

Finland is preparing for the worst-case scenario on its eastern border: a Russian attack.

Videostill | DW | Fokus Europa | Militärpfarrer in Deutschland

Videostill | DW | Fokus Europa | Militärpfarrer in Deutschland

Chaplain of elite soldiers

When Germany’s elite KSK soldiers go on a mission, a chaplain joins them to provide support.

US tech builds mega data center for AI revolution

Tech giants are building huge data centers for the AI revolution - criticism is growing.

Graphic animation of a nuclear fusion reactor

Graphic animation of a nuclear fusion reactor

Big, bigger, biggest: Record-breaking energy innovations

A fusion breakthrough, Finland's XXL nuclear plant, Germany's mega battery, and Africa's hydrogen revolution

An aerial view shows snow and ice in the capital as a cold snap hits the country, in Helsinki, Finland, on January 3, 2024

An aerial view shows snow and ice in the capital as a cold snap hits the country, in Helsinki, Finland, on January 3, 2024

Finland: The money woes of the world's happiest country

Finland slashed €12 bn in trade with Russia over Ukraine, deepening a deficit strained by defense and welfare spending.

A woman in a long pink quilted coat walks toward the entrance to a supermarket in Finland, leaving a stroller outside.

A woman in a long pink quilted coat walks toward the entrance to a supermarket in Finland, leaving a stroller outside.

Why Finnish parents prefer the hands-off approach

Finnish parents are famously laid-back — many even leave babies in strollers outside shops, unattended.

Two adults are standing outside in the snow in front of a yellow house in Finland, holding a toddler wearing a yellow jacket and hat in their arms.

Two adults are standing outside in the snow in front of a yellow house in Finland, holding a toddler wearing a yellow jacket and hat in their arms.

Relaxed parenting: Finland's recipe for success?

Relaxed Finnish parenting. A designer battles depression. And Europe‘s best stuffed peppers.

A picture of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor under construction

A picture of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor under construction

How nuclear power aims to wean Finland off Russian energy

As Finland strives to free itself from Russian energy, the country remains dependent on Moscow for fueling the shift.

A panoramic view of the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant, pictured under a clouded sky. A meadow and a river are seen in the foregound.

A panoramic view of the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant, pictured under a clouded sky. A meadow and a river are seen in the foregound.

Nuclear power helps Finland free itself from Russian energy

Finland was hugely dependent on Russian energy. Now the share is near zero, replaced by nuclear and renewable energy.

Oil tanker Eagle S is anchored near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, on the Gulf of Finland (December 30, 2024)

Oil tanker Eagle S is anchored near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, on the Gulf of Finland (December 30, 2024)

Finland: Court dismisses Baltic Sea cable cuts case

Prosecuting suspected sabotage in international waters is complicated due to international maritime law.

Close-up of a wicker basket in the countryside filled with freshly picked blueberries.

Close-up of a wicker basket in the countryside filled with freshly picked blueberries.

Finland's wild love for blueberries

Blueberry fever: Finns pick about 20 million kilos of the delicious berry — every summer!

A first-timer at Oktoberfest — Euromaxx

An Oktoberfest debut, cellist Kian Soltani, and Finland's blueberry fever.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen speaks with DW's Benjamin Alvarez Gruber on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen speaks with DW's Benjamin Alvarez Gruber on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York

Finland's foreign minister: Diplomacy with Russia has failed

Finnish FM Elina Valtonen: "When dealing with an imperialist power like Russia, diplomacy hardly helps."

Cote Wolcik, a bearded man wearing a black bathing suit, pours water on the sauna stones in a wood-lined sauna

Cote Wolcik, a bearded man wearing a black bathing suit, pours water on the sauna stones in a wood-lined sauna

How foreign does life in Finland feel for an American?

American Cote Wolcik moved to Helsinki in 2024. Since then, he's been trying to adapt to the Nordic lifestyle.

A man sings karaoke, holding a microphone in his hand.

A man sings karaoke, holding a microphone in his hand.

Is karaoke keeping Finland among world's happiest countries?

Karaoke creates a sense of togetherness and brings joy. It's one reason why Finland ranks among the happiest nations.

Black-and-white photo of hands holding scalpels inside a body during surgery

Black-and-white photo of hands holding scalpels inside a body during surgery

Forced sterilizations of Roma women in Slovakia

NATO conducts exercises in the Baltic Sea to prepare for a potential Russian invasion.

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in 2023

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in 2023

Finland's Niinisto: Trump to continue diplomacy with Putin

DW spoke to Finland's ex-President Niinisto about the diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine and NATO.

A young couple shares a drink at a café, each using a straw in the same glass

A young couple shares a drink at a café, each using a straw in the same glass

Who pays, who kisses? Europe's first date rules

What do young Europeans expect on a first date, and how close do they want to get?

A "Danger Mines!" sign is installed in front of the lines of barbed wire and pyramidal anti-tank obstacles in the field in Kharkiv region

A "Danger Mines!" sign is installed in front of the lines of barbed wire and pyramidal anti-tank obstacles in the field in Kharkiv region

Russian threat sees Eastern Europe bring back land mines

Fearing a Russian attack, five European countries plan to secure NATO's eastern borders with millions of land mines.

Soldiers holding weapons running during an exercise. A tank can be seen in the background

Soldiers holding weapons running during an exercise. A tank can be seen in the background

What is NATO and why was it created?

Russia's war against Ukraine has restored NATO's strategic relevance. DW explains the purpose of the security alliance.

An aerial view of a mosque dome

An aerial view of a mosque dome

Building Bridges: The art of understanding — Arts Unveiled

Muslim migration to Germany and the high art of diplomacy.

A Finnish radar station in February 2008

A Finnish radar station in February 2008

Finland summons Russian ambassador over alleged air breach

The move comes amid growing concern over Russian military activity along the border.

A border guard wearing a navy blue uniform and cap (R) stands near a border fence stretching out in the background

A border guard wearing a navy blue uniform and cap (R) stands near a border fence stretching out in the background

Finland faces heightened Russian military activity at border

NATO member Finland has begun shoring up its defensive capabilities along its 1,300-kilometer border with Russia.

Police block access to crash site of two civilian helicopters near airfield

Police block access to crash site of two civilian helicopters near airfield

5 dead after helicopters collide in Finland: police

All five people aboard the two civilian helicopters died when they crashed in western Finland.

A view of Estonian minehunter ENS Sakala M314 cruising in the Norwegian Sea. A snow-covered mountainous landscape is seen in the background.

A view of Estonian minehunter ENS Sakala M314 cruising in the Norwegian Sea. A snow-covered mountainous landscape is seen in the background.

On board the Estonian ship that patrols the Baltic Sea

The warship Sakala is actually a minehunter but its current mission is to detect suspicious activity in the Baltic Sea

DW Euromaxx reporter Gönna Ketels stands in front of snow and a forest.

DW Euromaxx reporter Gönna Ketels stands in front of snow and a forest.

Northern Lights: Finland's fascinating spectacle in the sky

As well as the Aurora Borealis, DW takes a look at what else there is to experience on a trip to Lapland.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle Europe

Tips for a visit to Lapland, creative churches in Germany and young life in Paris.

An adult business woman eats pancakes for breakfast and looks at her phone at the kitchen table

An adult business woman eats pancakes for breakfast and looks at her phone at the kitchen table

US happiness ranking hits all-time low, Germany climbs

Finland has topped the World Happiness Report for the eighth year, leading alongside its Nordic neighbors.

Three young girls lay on a deck, laughing

Three young girls lay on a deck, laughing

Why happiness matters for democracy

For International Day of Happiness, DW asked young people if they can still be happy despite global problems.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle Europe

The daily life of a reindeer herder in Finland, drummer Philo Tsoungui and the perfect bratwurst.

20-year-old Niko is standing with two reindeer in a snowy forest in Finland.

20-year-old Niko is standing with two reindeer in a snowy forest in Finland.

Lapland life: Reindeer herding and sauna culture

What's life like for young people living in Lapland, Finland's northernmost region?

This picture taken on October 12, 2015 shows the C-Lion1 submarine telecommunications cable being laid to the bottom Baltic Sea

This picture taken on October 12, 2015 shows the C-Lion1 submarine telecommunications cable being laid to the bottom Baltic Sea

NATO unveils Baltic Sentry pipeline, cable security mission

Baltic Sea NATO members react after outages and damage to power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines in the waterway.

The vessel Eagle S being held in Finland on December 30, 2024

The vessel Eagle S being held in Finland on December 30, 2024

Two Baltic Sea cables repaired after suspected sabotage

The Finnish operator of the two cables suspected to have been sabotaged says they have now been repaired.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo during a press conferance in Helsinki

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo during a press conferance in Helsinki

Finland probes Russia-linked oil tanker over undersea outage

The Estlink 2 power transmission cable was ruptured on Christmas Day

Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo

Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo

Finland to probe outage in power cable link to Estonia

The incident at the Estlink 2 interconnector cable will not affect Finland's power supply, said Finnish PM Petteri Orpo.

Portrait of happy Santa Claus in eyeglasses is preparing to Christmas in his residence, sitting in rocking chair, smiling and looking at camera.

Portrait of happy Santa Claus in eyeglasses is preparing to Christmas in his residence, sitting in rocking chair, smiling and looking at camera.

What message does Santa bring while jingling all the way?

DW takes you to Santa’s magical Christmas village in his hometown to see how the jolly preparations are coming along.

People raising the Finnish flag

People raising the Finnish flag

Helsinki court orders seizure of Russian properties

Finland recently ordered the seizure of Russian assets at the request of Ukrainian oil and gas company Naftogaz.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

Inside Europe 12 December 2024

Turkey's Syria connection, Finland prepares itself for Russian aggression, a football school in mafia country and Paris’ Notre Dame is back! Later in the show: a Freedom of Expression Special, and the untold stories of the female painters of the Italian renaissance.