When the pandemic shut down tourism, Finland’s only orthodox Christian monastery, Valamo, faced a one-third loss of its three million euro ($3.5 million) turnover, but the monks opted to cut down and sell four years’ worth of their trees at once, managing to plug the gap in its finances. The orthodox Christian church numbers 60,000 members in predominantly protestant Finland, about one percent of the population.

Finland’s lake Saimaa is home to one of the world's rarest and most endangered seal species, the Saimaa ringed seal. Only a few hundred remain - numbers campaigners say are nowhere near high enough to ensure the population’s survival in future. Climate change has made it harder for the seal to build nests on the ice in winter, but the main threat has been the use of fishing nets in the tourism hotspot.

Belgian supporters at a Brussels bar celebrate their team's 2-0 win over Finland, sealing their place in the last 16. Belgium qualified top of Group B after winning their three group matches.

What to do if you are a windsurfing enthusiast in a country where the sea freezes over for months of the year?

Restaurants and bars are open for business in Finland, and stores never closed. Yet it is the only EU country that has managed to keep infection rates under control. But while there are few local restrictions, Finland does have tight rules aimed to keep the virus outside its borders.

Santa Claus begins his journey from Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland to deliver presents to all the children of the world. He also reminds everyone to follow the rules in force to fight against Covid-19.

Of the Nordic countries, Sweden is usually held up as a role model. But in these times it's worth taking a look at Finland. The coronavirus infection rates are lower than in the rest of Europe. Why is that?

The French government's week hasn’t started well, with the revelation that The High Commissioner for Pensions, Jean-Paul Delevoye, has undeclared interests in the insurance world, stoking anger amongst an already disgruntled French public striking over pension reform. Elsewhere, women are in the spotlight, with Finland set to swear in 34-year old Sanna Marin as Prime Minister. She will head up a government of five parties all led by women. There has been less progress in Hollywood however – where wom

34-year-old Sanna Marin of Finland's Social Democrats has been named the country's new prime minister. Marin who was a former transport minister took over from Antti Rinne resigned after six months in office when he lost the confidence of the Centre Party, a coalition partner, over his handling of a postal strike. Sanna Marin is currently the youngest prime minister in the world.

Finland's government has tendered its resignation. The head of the prime minister's parliamentary group said Premier Juha Sipila stepped down because of a failed health care reform.

In many countries, the prison system has become synonymous with overcrowded cells, derelict infrastructure, and repeat offenders - with jails sometimes depicted as little more than "crime schools". But in Finland, many detainees are sent to low-security facilities where they interact with the local community, have jobs and prepare for a smooth return to society.