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Finland regularly tops “world’s happiest country” lists.

Secrets of the happiest country on Earth

What is happiness? One country appears to have figured it out, having topped the World Happiness Report rankings for the past eight years. Clearly, they’re doing something right.

  • Rob McFarland

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At the markets in Helsinki.

Forget Copenhagen, this affordable foodie city flies under the radar

Helsinki doesn’t get the gourmet acclaim of its neighbours, but you can find exceptional food here at relatively affordable prices.

  • Rob McFarland
Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on European nations starting February 1.

‘Blackmail’: Europe lashes out at Trump over latest move to get Greenland

A 10 per cent tariff would start on February 1, the US president said, as he targeted Denmark and seven other countries that sent troops to the Danish territory.

  • Michael Koziol
Ecuador

The 20 countries to put on your travel list for 2026

Find new charm in the familiar, or forge a fresh trail. Here are the under-the-radar nations and re-emerging classics set to define travel in 2026.

  • Ute Junker
In 2024, visitor numbers to Poland’s Baltic region jumped by 30 per cent.

Better than the Med: Europe’s other great sea remains underrated

Like the Mediterranean, this sea and its eight countries are rich in attractions and culture – but there are far fewer crowds.

  • Brian Johnston
The front-row seat has extra legroom.

Your next international Qantas flight might be operated by this airline

It might have one of the best economy seats I’ve ever flown in, but the food and entertainment falls short on this long haul.

  • Lee Tulloch
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US President Donald Trump

Trump says Russian drone breach in Poland may have been a ‘mistake’

The US president’s take was in contrast to European leaders, who said the incursion had been an “unprecedented provocation”.

  • Catherine Lucey
MS Silja Serenade.

I took this ferry to save on an airfare. I had no idea what I was in for

A quiet overnight trip from Stockholm to Helsinki was what I expected. Instead I found myself on board a debauched Vegas on water.

  • Natasha Bazika
Passengers in the departures hall at Helsinki airport in Finland.

A 10-hour layover in this small airport is surprisingly enjoyable

For a small airport, it’s beautiful, efficient, well-considered and has lots of quirky corners to explore.

  • Lee Tulloch
Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

‘A bitter peace’: The hard choices now facing Ukraine – and Trump

Seated around the US president at the White House, each of Europe’s leaders was invited to speak. The Finnish president, a former Trump golf buddy, stood up – and shared a telling story.

  • Michael Koziol