Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sadness
There's a definite depressive streak in Finns, more so than in their western neighbours.
While they aren't among Europe's biggest drinkers per capita, the incidence of alcoholism
is high. The winter darkness can strain even the most optimistic soul - seasonal affective
disorder (SAD) is significant here and suicide levels are higher than the comfortable stand-
ard of living would predict. The melancholic trend is reflected in Finns' love of darkly
themed music and lyrics of lost love; even the cheeriest summer Suomi-pop hits sound like
the singer's just backed over their dog, and Finnish tango takes lugubriousness off the
chart.
While suicide rates are a problem, it's a myth that Finns have the highest rate of it in the
world. Actually, it only comes in ninth in Europe, between Serbia and Belgium.
DRIVIN' WHEELS
Few countries have such an obsession with cars as Finland. The interest goes right down
the scale, from watching Formula One to changing the oil in the old Datsun parked out-
side.
You won't be in Finland for long before you'll hear a baritone bellow and see a glint of
fins and whitewall tyres as some American classic car rolls by, immaculately polished and
tuned. You probably never knew that so many Mustangs, Chargers or Firebirds existed
this side of the Atlantic. Even non-classics long since dead elsewhere are kept alive here
with loyal home maintenance.
Rally driving sends Finns wild; the exploits of legends like Tommi Mäkinen and Marcus
Grönholm are the latest of a long line in a sport in which Finland has excelled. In Formula
One, too, Suomi punches well above its weight, with Keke Rosberg, Mika Häkkinen and
Kimi Räikkönen all former world champions. In small towns, often the only entertainment
for the local young is trying to emulate them by doing blockies around the kauppatori…
Silence
While the 'silent Finn' concept has been exaggerated over the years, it's certainly true that
Finns believe in comfortable silences, so if a conversation dies off naturally there's no
