A safe and trusting society
A recent study found that the clear majority of Helsinki residents feel very safe. In addition, residents of the country claim Europe’s highest levels of trust in others and many authorities. As a sign of this communal trust, lost items are almost always returned.
As a Nordic welfare state, Finland assumes a shared public responsibility for the economic and social well-being of its inhabitants. The general consensus is that caring for the least fortunate improves the well-being of everyone. This brings freedom and peace of mind, especially in the face of uncertainty.
The most functional city in the world
The City of Helsinki’s highest decision-making authority is the City Council, which is elected every four years. The council appoints a mayor and four deputy mayors to oversee municipal operations.
In 2016, Helsinki’s leadership created a City Strategy that seeks to make Helsinki the most functional city in the world. Sustainability and digitalisation of services have been made top priorities. A new City Council was elected in may 2021. The new council will determine a new strategy for the City of Helsinki at the end of the year.
The City of Helsinki is a member of the Eurocities Network and the EU’s Urban Agenda, which both seek to promote integration.
Helsinki actively works to prevent neighbourhoods from becoming segregated by socioeconomic divides. Helsinki is also the only EU city with falling rates of homelessness. All in all, it can be said that the City of Helsinki does its best to take care of its residents.
Helsinki in a nutshell
| Population in Helsinki | 656,920 |
| Population in Helsinki Region | 1,524,489 |
| Average age of Helsinkians | 40.9 |
| Average size of households | 1.7 persons |
| Employment rate (2020) | 73.4 % |
| Number of libraries | 45 |
| Kilometres of cycling routes | 1,200 |
| Greenhouse gas emissions cut since 1990 | 26 % |
| Year Helsinki was founded | 1550 |