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When you think of Finland, what things pop straight into your mind? If you pictured the Moomin valley or the Santa Claus village, it’s so much more than that. With their insanely complex language and world-class education system, there’s also the mesmerizing nature, clean air, and thousands of crystal clear lakes. Heck, it’s even been nominated as the happiest nation in the world for four consecutive years!

But like every country, it too has its own weird little quirks, even if they seem hilarious and silly. Enter the Very Finnish Problems, an Instagram account dedicated to highlighting Finland’s national identity with a pinch of fun.

From the Finns' burning love for saunas and coffee to their sacred personal space, we have collected some of the best memes the account had to offer. Continue scrolling and upvote the ones that made you laugh! And if you’re hungry for some more Finnish goodness, check out our previous posts about it right here and here.

Very Finnish Problems is one of the biggest projects celebrating the Finnish lifestyle online. Tens of thousands of followers enjoy its content on Instagram, but it's just the tip of the iceberg. People can also stumble across such hilarious memes and jokes on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Plus, there’s even a whole website dedicated to honoring the Finnish charm.

The founder of this project, Joel Willans, is a British Helsinki resident who created the account in 2016. A year later, he published a best-selling book 101 Very Finnish Problems: A Foreigner's Guide to Surviving Finland, and then a sequel More Very Finnish Problems: An Even More Essential Guide to Surviving Finland. These books are full of humor and essential insights into the highs and lows of fantastic Finland to help people deal with all this country can throw at them.

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"I’m the Creative Director at a digital marketing agency, Ink Tank Media, and I bet one of my clients that I could create a Facebook page of 10K fans in a month without spending a penny," Joel explained the origins of Very Finnish Problems in a previous interview with Bored Panda last year. "The bet was made during Finnish winter, which was typically dark and very, very cold. The pavements were super slippery and it was taking me ages to walk to work, and I remember thinking how winter is trying to kill me, and what a very Finnish problem that is."

He then realized it was one of the very many Finnish quirks "faced by an Englishman in the far north. That was how it all began, and it clearly resonated with lots of people, because I won the bet and got nearly 20K fans in a month."

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When asked about his followers, he said they’re extremely active. "The biggest demographic is Finnish women between 25-54. But there’s lots of other nationalities and age groups too," he explained. "Besides Finns who enjoy hearing about Finland from a British man’s perspective, there’s foreigners who love Finland and foreigners who might have a Nordic background."

Well, Joel was once a foreigner too. While he quickly fell in love with the Finnish lifestyle, he told Bored Panda he’s still getting used to it, even after living there for over 18 years. "Of course, the culture shock isn’t as hardcore as it was, and I do a lot of Finnish things now without even noticing it. For example, if somebody had told me 20 years ago I’d learn to love saunas, I’d have laughed at them," he revealed jokingly.

#14

When You Can’t Find Your Car

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The 4 guys in the front arguing about who's generic black middle class car it actually is.

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Most of the VFP memes showcase a slice of Finnish life. From the harsh yet beautiful weather to the deep introversion of this country’s citizens, there are plenty of clichés that fuel such hilarious content. "Like all stereotypes, there’s an element of truth," Joel said. "But also like all stereotypes, it’s exaggerated."

The creator of this project personally thinks Finns are just more straightforward and honest than many other nationalities. "Rather than being polite and pretending to be interested in chatting like we do in the UK, if Finns don’t want to talk to you, they won’t."

He continued: "Living in the EU’s least densely populated country, I think they’re also more comfortable being alone or with family in the wilderness. That’s another thing I’ve certainly learned to love."

#16

When Winter Tries To Kill You

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lgbt_squid.12
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

actually, i learned this interesting fact from a park ranger. apparently, squirrels can fall from amazingly high heights and be perfectly fine. for some reason, only if they are starving will they die from falling.

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#18

When Snow Defeats You ☃️ 😀

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The Penguin Bandit
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When shoveling is utterly futile and you say, f**k it, stab the snow with the shovel, and go inside to start binge drinking

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While some beliefs people have about the Finns are inaccurate, they can still be a great source of entertainment. "Needless to say, for all the horrors of COVID-19, there was lots of talk about how self-isolating and maintaining distance suited Finns. Even in difficult times, I think it helps to try to laugh, so at times we had some fun with that." Also, research that highlights unexpected characteristics about this country helps him think of new memes. To illustrate, he mentioned a study that found pineapple was Finland’s most popular pizza topping.

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#22

When There Are People In The Elevator 😱

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Lyyyy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Elevator etiquette in Finland is little bit like that. I wouldn’t want to make eye contact with people I don’t know (when on an elevator or other tight spaces especially). But I don’t want to turn my back to them. In my opinion everybody sort of just stands as far as they can from each other and stare at walls or the floor.

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Emilie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do Americans really stand like that? I thought that was just done for TV!

greenrider82 avatar
Rider
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

US isn't that organized. We do all face forward, but it's a jumble.

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Catnatno
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I always talk to someone I don't know by about their day, etc. Guess I am one of "those" annoying people. I promise to stop 😅😅

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I'm from a too friendly with strangers country but we never look at each other in the elevators

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HellyHacka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try and get consensus from the other 43 countries in Europe on this one...lol

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Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the contrary, I’m from Van City and we tend to pretend we can’t see anyone else in the elevator while still giving them space lol

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laura lee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not so much they hate people, but they revere personal space and are not so rude as to deny you that.

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PADNA
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say Europe is accurate, at least in our part (Northern-East). Avoid eye contact butt shoving your butt into others' face is similarly or even more rude.

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Tim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My question is, do people really face the center of the elevator car in Europe?

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Henry Shaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I Kenya, we all stand facing forward but not in a line. Just haphazardly. Unless I get in first then I look to the back at the mirror and when people enter, they awkwardly stand facing backwards. We look at each other via the mirror.

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Jane W.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's true we all face forward. I knew a guy who used to face backward, facing people, and others on the elevator acted like he was nuts, and they couldn't get off fast enough.

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Stephen Hutchison
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Finland version is the one recommended at my (american) company for social distancing. Only the guys in the middle need to wait for the next available car.

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Corgi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I got onto an elevator and someone was standing in the corner with their back to me, it would definitely make me leave...... which I assume is the point of standing like that LOL

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Cassandra Tourangeau
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2 years ago

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sarde1981 avatar
Saara-Elina Kaukiainen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inaccurate, there can't be that many ppl inside the elevator in Finland. It's max 4, so that everyone can have their own corner.

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Jessica Julian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in University, there was a Sociology professor who had the students conduct their own experiment, by doing something outside the norms of Society...one of her suggestions was to stand facing every one in the elevator, rather than face the door.

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India Mitchell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently had a whole conversation, inside and outside the lift, with someone I didn’t know. So those comments about Americans being overly friendly apply with me.

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The Dutch Ginger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah a lot of the elevators in Europe are covered in pee, at least the elevator that are public, like trains stations, parking structures, etc.

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David Lee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah………the giveaway that this list originated in the US. They think Europe is a country

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M Whee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen some funny pranks where someone gets on the elevator and faces the back after pushing the button, to mess with people. The funniest was a group that stayed on the elevator and faced the back to see what new passengers would do. A lot caved to the pressure and faced the "wrong"way.

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KimTx
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American, I tend to be European in an elevator. Back to the wall. May or may not make eye contact. From Texas so quite likely to strike up a conversation.

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Grivzyrn Novarn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take a look at the people who want a ride or are already inside, and if I can't imagine being cooped up with them for several hours if necessary, I take the stairs.

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Sara Farms
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the USA we stand like on the left they are all facing the right on the right they are waiting for there stop so facing straight and in the middle is no one or luggage

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Katherine Stevens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In America we all watch each other against opposing walls to make sure someone isn't being sketchy. At least these days I don't put my back to strangers in tight places. I like to be in the back watching everyone.

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jenzhere99
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

U.S. faces the door and watches the floor numbers to get out asap! We even hop off on the wrong floor in our hast to gtf away from everyone as fast as possible.

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My O My
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Germany fits in the Europe scheme, we stare at the floor

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Don't Look
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weeellll, the American one is not accurate…. In my opinion.

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colin dinsdale
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People don't stand this way in an elevator in the U.S. This looks like a joke

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Moreover, Joel sees many more opportunities to brighten people’s dull days by celebrating the relatively odd and charming Finnish habits. "I’ve plans to relaunch the Very Finnish Problems podcast very soon. We originally launched it four years ago and, for a while, it was one of Finland’s top five podcasts, but then work and life got in the way. We only did 19 episodes, so there’s plenty left to talk about."

"I’m also looking at getting into the world of Finnish-themed NFTs and considering a third Very Finnish Problems themed book, although it would take a different angle to the previous two. So, plenty of things in the pipeline!"

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#29

When 2021 Isn’t Quite Going As Planned

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Rachel W B
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice,,apart from doing the dishes. Go get the back to school beer's

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#31

When You Can’t Stop Cooing Over Your Baby Box Clothes

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Joe Reaves
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They should have included the box since it can be used as a baby bed and isn't just there to hold the contents.

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#32

When You Don’t Sleep In The Snow ⛄️

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Vicky Zar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. At least Poland and Germany does that too. I think there are other countries as well, but I don't know which. Probably the whole east of Europe tough. It's not about the snow either, it's about fresh air.

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#39

@inktankmemes Is My Fav New Account 😀👌

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Emi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finn here! Finnish is indeed not related to the Indo-European family of languages, it belongs to the family of Finno-Ugric languages. Therefore the grammar is completely different from most European languages. We actually have borrowed a lot of words from German, Swedish, and Russian due to historical reasons, but their spelling has been adjusted to fit Finnish pronunciation. We also have a layer of ancient words which are based on a language (Proto-Uralic) spoken 7000–2000 BCE. It's especially those words that nobody else gets.

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#40

When Your First Blast Of Winter Is Colder Than You Remember

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like it has seen some sh!t and spontaneously grown hair that even more spontaneously turned white.

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#45

When You’re Missing The Sun Already Via @andrewickstroem

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For sex to occur, that would mean that two Finnish people would have to interact.

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#46

When There Are People In The Forest

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Luckily in Finland the forest to people ratio is ideal for lots of remote cabins in the woods.

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#49

When You Get A Buzzing Visitor In Your Cottage

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Kimberly
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought the 11.5 months of snow & ice would kill all the skeeters?!

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#50

When You Forget The Start Of School Celebration Beers 😀

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Note: this post originally had 102 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.