Today marks the 100th day of our independence here in Finland. We have been amazed to see, how many countries around the world have remembered our special day, and sent their congrats to us. Many magazines (like The Telegraph) have also written humbling listings why Finland is the most amazing country in the world. This kind of attention makes us blush – and proud. When we were thinking about what things make us proud to be Finns a couple of weeks ago, we came up with these.
Reasons to be proud of being a Finn
…Finland was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote.
…our nature is one of the purest and greenest in the world…
…and our cities have the cleanest air too.
…our education system is great, and its free even at the university level…
…which is probably why 99 % of the adult citizens can read.
…we can trust our parliament and police are non-corrupted.
…we have a social welfare system that takes care of people when things don’t go as planned.
…our country can still be described as one of the safest places on Earth.
…Finland is one of the best countries in the world to be a mother.
…there are more saunas than cars in Finland.
…we have the so called every man’s rights which give us the freedom to roam the land and enjoy the treats the mother nature provides us.
…the one and only Santa Claus comes from Finland. And so do the Moomins!
…we speak one of the weirdest and most difficult languages in the world. Like for example our longest word is “epäjärjestelmällistyttämättömyydelläänsäkäänköhän”. Try saying that out loud!
…we have the best and most amusing events ever. Like the world championships in wife carrying, air-guitar playing, mobile phone throwing, rubber boot throwing and swamp soccer.
We are proud to Finns because during the war years so many brave Finnish heroes – men and women – gave their lives in defending our independency. We owe so much to them.
Today is the day when every Finn raises their glasses and wishes a happy 100th independence day to our dear home country!
Hölökyn kölökyn!