Finnish culture and everyday life

Finnish culture combines modern society with tradition, creating a unique foundation for a way of life that values both individual freedoms and the common good.

In Finland, education and work are taken seriously, and significant investment is made in them at both the individual and societal levels. In working life, the emphasis is on conscientiousness, responsibility and a balance between work and leisure, which supports holistic wellbeing.

In Finland, people show consideration for their neighbours by following the rules of the housing association, avoiding disruptive noise – particularly during quiet hours – and keeping communal areas tidy for the comfort of all users.
Environmental responsibility is reflected in everyday life through the careful sorting of waste, returning empty bottles for a deposit, and a shared commitment to conserving natural resources and reducing the amount of waste through recycling.
One of the important rules of Finnish culture is that shoes are not worn indoors. When you arrive at someone’s home, you do not take your shoes inside with you, but leave them in the hall. This is partly due to Finland’s climatic conditions, as outdoor shoes may be dirty or wet, especially in winter.

In everyday life, Finns value peace and quiet and their privacy. This is particularly evident on public transport and in public spaces, such as buses, trains and libraries. On a train or bus, it is rare to strike up a conversation with other passengers, and people generally prefer to travel in peace, minding their own business. Silence is seen as a natural part of social interaction. Silence is not seen as negative; rather, it signifies comfort and acceptance.

A close connection with nature is an integral part of the Finnish way of life, and nature plays an important role in both leisure activities and maintaining mental wellbeing. In the summer, many Finns head to their summer cottages to relax. Summer cottages are often situated by the water or in the countryside. Cottage life is a popular way to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Everyone’s rights allow everyone to move about and enjoy nature, even on land owned by others, provided they do not cause harm to nature or other people.

Going to the sauna is a natural part of many Finns’ lives. The sauna is a sacred place for Finns, and almost every home has its own sauna. The word ‘sauna’ is the Finnish word that has spread most widely to other languages, and going to the sauna is a major part of Finland’s national identity. Many houses have a sauna, and in blocks of flats you can often book your own sauna session. The sauna is a place to wash and relax. Please remember the following when using the sauna: book your sauna session in advance, wash before entering the sauna, use a bath towel when sitting on the benches, be considerate of other sauna-goers and leave the sauna tidy when you leave.

A sense of community is important to Finns, but it often manifests itself in a more subtle way than in many other cultures. Although Finns may seem reserved when meeting someone for the first time, they are loyal and trustworthy friends. Family and close personal relationships play a central role, and the family is supported both through legislation and everyday practices.

A common-law relationship means that two people live together as a couple without being married, and starting the relationship, living together and separating are their private affairs. Under Finnish law, marriage is a relationship between two people as defined by law. Marriage is entered into by a wedding ceremony. Before the ceremony, an application must be made to have any impediments to marriage examined. This examination ensures that there are no impediments to marriage under the Finnish Marriage Act. Such impediments include being a minor, being already married, or being too closely related. Without this examination, it is not possible to enter into marriage. The examination is carried out by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Either both spouses or just one of them may apply for a divorce. The application for divorce can be submitted in person or sent by post or email to the district court in either spouse’s place of residence. The registry of the Kymenlaakso District Court is located in Kouvola. There is no need to state the grounds for the divorce. A reflection period begins once the application for divorce has been filed.

When a child is born into a family in Finland, the child is registered in the Population Information System at the hospital, and the parents must notify the Digital and Population Data Services Agency of the child’s name and native language. The child’s nationality is determined on the basis of their parents’ nationality.

When a child is born and as they grow up, parents are entitled to family leave and various benefits paid by Kela. The Kela office provides guidance and advice on all matters relating to Kela benefits. The office’s address in Kotka is Keskuskatu 7.

If you are experiencing problems within your family or need support, you can get help and advice in complete confidence. On this page, you will find information on where to get help in Finland.

The death of a loved one brings not only grief but also many practical matters to deal with. On this page, you’ll find information on what happens in Finland following a death, how funerals and inheritance matters are handled, and where you can find support and help whilst you’re grieving.

Finland is known as a society characterised by equality, fairness and trust. People are valued on the basis of their actions, skills and sense of responsibility. In the workplace and in society as a whole, emphasis is placed on equality, flat hierarchies and the opportunity to participate in decision-making.

The council exercises the municipality’s decision-making powers. The council sets out the long-term objectives for the municipality’s operations and finances in the municipal strategy it draws up. Councillors and deputy councillors are elected to the council every four years in local elections. Residents can participate in and influence municipal affairs by voting in these local elections. Residents also have the opportunity to submit proposals, respond to surveys, take part in discussions and provide feedback to officials.

In Finland, citizens elect representatives to local councils, welfare regions, the Parliament, the Presidency and the European Parliament. The right to vote is generally granted to Finnish citizens aged 18 and over, but many foreign nationals are also eligible to vote in local elections, regional elections and European Parliament elections.

Find out more about how you can get involved and make a difference in Kotka.

In Finland, everyone is free to practise their own religion or to practise no religion at all. Freedom of religion is a right enjoyed by everyone, including immigrants. The largest religious communities in Finland are the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church. However, Finland is largely a secular country where religion plays a minor role in everyday life.

There are communities of various faiths operating in the Kotka region. Information about them is available, for example, from libraries, multicultural centres and immigrant services. Finland offers a safe environment where different religions and beliefs are treated equally and respected.