What about the Finns?

Our guests who have visited Finland do find Finns very friendly, genuine and easy to get along with.  We Finns are a pretty peculiar people, and we do enjoy conveying that image of ourselves, even if it isn’t always true.  We do come up with some strange things, though, like the Air Guitar World Championships or the Wife Carrying World Championships.  We  are masters of self-deprecating humour  and if we joke with you - or sometimes even at your cost - feel honoured as this is our way of saying 'you are okay - I like you'. Maybe watch some of the videos by Finnish comedian Ismo Leikola to prepare yourself for your trip to Finland (warning: might contain foul language).​

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Finns aren’t big on small talk, and quiet moments in conversations are not considered awkward. Silence merely means the person doesn’t have something essential to say, as Finns feel there’s no reason to fill gaps in conversation with idle chatter. On the other hand, Finns are genuine – we mean what we say. Finns have a strong attitude to speech and the words that are spoken and will carefully consider what they say. Verbal agreements and promises  are considered binding and people are held to what they say.

 

Finns are also punctual people. Agreed meeting times are scrupulously observed, to the minute if at all possible, and being late is considered impolite and requires an apology and an explanation. Concerts, theatre performances and other public functions begin on time, and delays in domestic rail and bus traffic are rare.

 

Challenging climate and Finland's past struggles against powerful neighbours – both east and west – have helped forge a distinct Finnish culture, built on a deep belief in every individual's power to  succeed against all odds.  This concept is known as sisu, which refers to courage, stamina and perseverance. Sisu is a term which dates back hundreds of years. This term stands for going beyond one's mental or physical capacity, and is a central part of the Finland's culture and collective psyche. 'Sisu can take you through granite.' states an old Finnish saying.

 

Mostly we are also quite modest people and don't like boasting about things. Unless it's about Finland winning the World Championship in ice hockey.

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