Some people think Finland's greatest contribution to the world is the song Finland, but that was actually written by a bunch of British blokes who call themselves Monty Python.
And as it turns out Finland's actual contributions to the world are much more important than some catchy song, because their creations like paternity leave, Xylitol and maternity boxes are truly making the world a better place.
Finland first introduced paternity leave in 1978, allowing dads to take up to 158 of the 263 paid working days alloted to the parents after the child is born, and under certain conditions dads can also take an additional "father's month" off.
Maternity packs and Xylitol are equally brilliant ideas that could improve lives the world over:
Maternity pack
Finland’s “baby box” was introduced for poor mothers in 1938 and extended to all in 1949, when it held fabrics, a sewing kit, baby clothes, nappies and a mattress (the box itself doubled as a cot). The contents has changed over time (it now includes a duvet, quilted suit, bonnet, socks and gloves) but it remains hugely popular: 95% of mothers choose it over a cash alternative.
Xylitol
Finland began researching the natural sweetener Xylitol and its capacity to dramatically reduce dental plaque in the early 1970s and developed and launched a Xylitol chewing gum – arguably the world’s first health-improving food product – in 1975.
But the Finnish contribution the world needs now more than ever is their free comprehensive education system:
Finnish free comprehensive education
Finnish law guarantees a free, high-quality, nine-year basic education (to age 15) in municipal-run schools to every child, regardless of where they live or the wealth of their parents, declaring it an essential human right. Half then go to high school or polytechnic, and half into vocational education, which is also free – as is further and university education. All school teachers have at least a university master’s degree.