Top5 Amazing Facts About Finland That Will Shock You

In this article we will explore amazing facts about Finland. Finland is more than just the Northern Lights and happiness; it has many unwritten rules that surprise travelers. For example, wealthy individuals can face huge fines for speeding, men have specific signs for sitting while urinating, and public nudity is acceptable. Wearing perfume can cause issues, and expressing sadness is considered taboo. So let’s begin.

5) Nightlife

One of the amazing facts about Finland is that in Helsinki during winter, nights are cold and quiet, with snow covering empty streets. Although the scene seems lovely, it reflects a lack of nightlife in Finland. After 9:00 p.m., public transportation reduces significantly, and most shops and restaurants close. Bars are few and usually empty after midnight.

Finnish culture promotes early rising and orderly routines, contributing to the limited nightlife. According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in 2022, 78% of Finns work daytime hours, and only 4% work at night. Alcohol sales stop in supermarkets at 9:00 p.m., and noise complaints can lead to fines for playing music after 10 p.m.

4) Urinating

One of the amazing facts about Finland is that in Finland, there is a common rule that men should sit while urinating. This is encouraged in homes, public offices, and restaurants, with signs asking men to follow this practice. The reason is that Finns value cleanliness greatly, seeing it as a form of respect. Standing to pee can lead to messes, which is unacceptable since most Finns have high-standard bathrooms.

A survey showed that about 70% of men under 40 often sit to pee, and this rises to 90% in shared spaces. Schools and government buildings even promote this habit for easier bathroom maintenance and cost savings.

3) Women’s Compliment

One of the amazing facts about Finland is that men shouldn’t compliment women. This idea may seem extreme, but it is often followed, especially in workplaces and public areas. A 2021 report showed that nearly 40% of Finnish women feel uncomfortable with compliments from strangers, even simple ones like “You look nice today. “

An example is given of a male IT worker who was fired for complimenting a colleague. In Finland, personal space is highly respected, and flirting can be seen as disrespectful. A study found that 66% of women under 40 felt violated when approached on the street. It’s advised not to use American-style pick-up lines, as they could lead to negative reactions. Instead, keeping a distance and not commenting on appearances is the norm. Even sincere compliments should be kept private.

2) Alcohol

One of the amazing facts about Finland is that in Finland, buying alcohol is heavily restricted. There are strict laws against alcohol advertising, so you won’t see many ads for drinks. Supermarkets can only sell beer with less than 5.5% alcohol during specific hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For stronger drinks, people must go to Alco, a state-run store that has limited hours and is closed on Sundays. Drinking at work events is also closely regulated. Despite these restrictions, Finland ranks high in alcohol consumption among Nordic countries, with an average of 9 liters of pure alcohol consumed per person annually.

1) Income Based Fines

One of the amazing facts about Finland is that Finland has a law called “Income Based Fines” where traffic fines are based on a person’s income. Unlike fixed fines in many countries, wealthier individuals pay more for their violations. Fines are calculated from daily net income using tax records. For example, a wealthy businessman was fined $121,000 for speeding, while a senior Nokia executive paid $116,000 for a similar offense. In contrast, an average Finn would only pay $7,150 for the same violation.

In Finland, it’s very important to repay every cent you owe. Forgetting to return small amounts of money can lead to a loss of respect. Finns believe in integrity, and not paying back the exact amount is seen as a moral failure. For example, an Italian student shared that he was no longer invited for coffee after repaying a small debt late. A survey in Helsinki showed that more than 78% of people do not trust those who don’t pay back the exact amount. Respecting this cultural value is essential for a positive experience in Finland.