Education – Formal education starts at seven, later than in many European countries. There are 30 polytechnics that prepare for the professions and 20 research oriented universities. One third of the population has a tertiary degree, well above the figure for other European countries. The World Economic Forum rated Finland's tertiary education as the best in the world.

Cuisine – mostly simple, healthy fare e.g. fish, meat (including reindeer), sausages, berries, oatmeal for breakfast. Not much spice.