Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for eight years in a row in the UN World Happiness Report. In 2024, Helsinki-Uusimaa ranked first among European regions in the EU Social Progress Index, which compares societal wellbeing.
Helsinki-Uusimaa’s population is around 1.8 million, meaning that one in every three Finns lives in the region. Population growth in Helsinki-Uusimaa is expected to remain strong. According to forecasts, the population will exceed 2.1 million by 2040.
Helsinki-Uusimaa Region
#1
EU Social Progress Index 2024
1.8
million inhabitants
56%
of people who speak another language live in Helsinki-Uusimaa
A diverse metropolitan region
Helsinki-Uusimaa is Finland’s only metropolitan region. Here, large cities, growing surrounding municipalities and vibrant rural areas form a unique whole. By promoting inter-municipal cooperation, accessibility and interaction, we bridge the gap between rural and urban areas and build on the region’s strengths.
The region’s diversity is reflected in its industries, population development and economic differences between areas. Improving accessibility and transport connections is essential for the region’s vitality, environmental sustainability and the well-being of its residents.
Across the region, and in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area in particular, the lack of affordable housing is a challenge that affects residents’ daily lives and undermines regional vitality. Good housing means having a home that is affordable, suits one’s current life situation and is located in a place that supports smooth daily living.
Happy Helsinki-Uusimaa is built on the well-being of its residents. A strong sense of community builds trust and strengthens social cohesion. We strengthen safety by preventing social exclusion, racism and bullying, as well as violence in general and violence against women in particular, making Helsinki-Uusimaa a safer place to live. We promote inclusive participation and the freedom to express diverse opinions, both of which are essential for a well-functioning democracy.
Preparedness for crises and exceptional situations is an important civic skill that strengthens society’s resilience. This means the ability to anticipate accidents and other abnormal or dangerous situations, and to act and adapt in response.
Happy Helsinki-Uusimaa is built on the well-being of its residents.
Good region in which to integrate
Helsinki-Uusimaa is the most international and multicultural region in the country, and home to 56% of Finland’s foreign-language population. Successful integration means learning the language, becoming attached to the community, forming social relationships and finding employment. In addition to work or education, immigrants must have equal opportunities to participate in society.
Integration requires cooperation from society and immigrants alike. A person’s own active participation is important, but smooth and easily accessible integration services are equally essential. When integration is successful, immigrants adapt to their new environment, and society in turn adapts to increasing diversity.
Work and entrepreneurship are among the most effective ways to integrate. One of the most effective ways to become part of Finnish society is to join the workforce or start a business. This requires commitment from workplaces and employers.
The employment rate of immigrant women is often lower than that of men, which is why we need to invest in language and integration training to support their integration. Attention should also be paid to the integration of children and young people. Culture and sports play a significant role in supporting integration.
Work and entrepreneurship are among the most effective ways to integrate.
Work and wellbeing for young people
The young are the makers of the future, and their well-being is particularly important. They must have opportunities to gain an education, find employment and start a family if they so wish. In Helsinki-Uusimaa, unemployment has increased particularly among highly educated and recent graduates. Work is a key prerequisite for livelihood and well-being. Unemployment is detrimental, as it hinders young people’s integration into society and delays their independence and career development.
Early childhood education, comprehensive education and upper-secondary education play a key role in building a sustainable and prosperous future. All children and adolescents should have equal opportunities for education, regardless of their background and place of residence. Education increases well-being, employment opportunities and social mobility. Safety in Helsinki-Uusimaa is strengthened by education, culture and a diverse civil society.
The mental-health challenges, substance-abuse issues and concerns over day-to-day livelihood among children and adolescents deserve serious attention, additional resources and more preventive work. Youth work and mental health services play a key role.
The Finnish model for leisure activities, which is a project of the Ministry of Education and Culture, aims to enable every child and young person to engage in a free hobby, and thereby promote inclusion and mental well-being. The younger generation’s interest in social participation, and their opportunities to take part, must be supported. By listening to them and involving them in decision-making, we can offer better services, strengthen their agency and foster their belief in a positive future.
Find out more
Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme
As a regional council, we are responsible for the development of Helsinki-Uusimaa. Our work looks far ahead, while also shaping development actions in the coming years. To support this work, we work with regional stakeholders to develop joint strategies and programmes.
For more information, please contact:
Ulla-Mari Karhu
Planning Manager
ulla-mari.karhu@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Regional Management Committee with secretariat, education, well-being, immigration and rural development
Outi Ervasti
Economic Development Manager
outi.ervasti@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme, employment and business policy, regional interests' promotion sekä AKKE funding. Deputy for Director of Regional Development Eero Venäläinen.
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