First page | Subjects | In Focus | E-services and forms | Newsroom | A-Z index | Contact information |
You are on the page: First page / Subjects
This page gives you an overview to the content in the various Suomi.fi subject pages, with links to each page. For the most part, the content in Suomi.fi consists of public sector web services in Finland. Links to web services by nationwide civic organisations and NGOs are included insofar as they support and enrich service provision by the public sector. There are no commercially or privately produced links in Suomi.fi. The portal offers information useful for everyday life in Finland, regardless of your area of residence.
The most appropriate type of housing for people changes with different life situations. Right-of-occupancy and part-ownership housing are alternatives to renting and owning property. The health and safety of the housing and living environment are first and foremost the responsibility of local authorities. Permission to build is always needed from the local authority. Renovation may also require permission if the alterations are significant.
A family consists of the adults and children living in the same household. The form of relationship in which partners live has an impact on the administration of assets, inheritance and the status of children. Society provides families with different types of support from childhood to old age. Should conflicts arise, help can be sought from the authorities and organisations specialising in family matters.
Local authorities are responsible for health care. They provide primary health care, medical treatment, special services for the disabled and intoxicant abusers. They also provide secondary and tertiary care through hospital districts. Local authorities can, if necessary, acquire health services from the private sector. Employers organise occupational health care and rehabilitation for employees. It is also the job of local authorities to monitor the safety of food production and distribution.
Voting allows citizens to exercise power at both national and local level. The elected Parliament enacts the country's laws. Civil and criminal matters are resolved in independent courts. The law is the same for everyone, and anyone who is dissatisfied with the decisions of the authorities has the right to appeal. The rights of citizens extend from human and civil rights to everyday rights.
In the event of an accident, everyone must help to the best of their abilities. The police are responsible for maintaining public order and safety. The Border Guard is responsible for border security. The Finnish defence forces are responsible for national defence.
The public transport system in Finland covers the whole country. Online map services can help in choosing travel routes. Drivers must observe regulations, some of which are international. Driving a vehicle usually requires the driver to have a driving licence, and the vehicle must be registered and inspected.
There are foreigners living permanently in Finland who have moved to the country because of their studies, work or family ties. Finland provides international protection for those applying for asylum. Permits are required for entering the country and staying here. Moving abroad affects social benefits available from Finland, such as social security.
Everyone living in Finland gets free basic education provided by the local authority. After basic education, students can apply for vocational education or higher education. Some schools accept students without an entrance exam. Society provides financial support for full-time study, adult education and research.
The network of libraries extends to all local authorities. In addition to municipal libraries, library services are available from research libraries, specialist libraries and the libraries of educational establishments. Municipal and university libraries are open to all, and they have Internet access. Library collections can also be searched online.
Amateur artists just as much as professional ones create culture. Local authorities organise art education and cultural services. Regional arts councils promote local culture, and organisations and local authorities support leisure-time activities. Museums preserve, study and display their collections and the research they carry out. The state supports different cultural sectors through the provision of grants.
Employment and Economic Development Offices provide help with job hunting, career choices and questions about unemployment. The laws and agreements between the social partners have an impact on working life and employing people to do work. The Government aims to promote employment through a variety of different means. The pension system guarantees an income in old age and in case of disability.
The most important element in financial management is keeping income and expenditure in balance. This holds true just as much for general government finances as it does for households. People who work pay taxes out of their income to local authorities and the government, and the taxes are used to fund services that are maintained with public funding. Banks are responsible for processing payments and offer different savings, loans and investment services.
Everyone is responsible for the environment and its protection. The focus of environmental conservation is on preventing damage. Operations that change or pollute the environment require a permit. Emissions and radiation are studied and measured, and if they are potentially harmful to people, the authorities will provide information on the subject.
Local authorities construct sports venues and are responsible for them. Sports clubs arrange outdoor exercise and sporting events. In Finland, it is possible to go hiking in the countryside by virtue of everyman's rights. Angling and ice fishing are not restricted, but a permit is required for other types of fishing. Those who have passed the hunting examination can hunt in Finland during the hunting seasons.
Page updated on 21.11.2007 | Suomi.fi editorial team | State Treasury
