Coffe People

The country with the highest coffee consumption per capita is Finland, where the average person consumes about 12 kg (26 lbs) of coffee annually. This is followed by other Scandinavian countries like Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, which also have high coffee consumption rates. These countries enjoy coffee not just as a beverage but as an integral part of their culture and social life.

In Finland, coffee is much more than just a beverage; it’s a vital part of the culture and social fabric. Here are some of the unique coffee traditions that Finns cherish:

Kahvi: In Finnish, ‘kahvi’ means coffee, and it’s enjoyed throughout the day. Finns typically drink their coffee black, using a drip coffee maker for a strong and flavorful cup.

Coffee Breaks: It’s customary in Finland to have at least two coffee breaks during the workday. This practice is so ingrained that it’s almost considered a legal right.

Social Norms: Coffee accompanies many social occasions, such as “läksiäiskahvit” (farewell coffee), “mitalikahvit” (medal-winning celebrations), “matkakahvi” (travel coffee), and “vaalikahvit” (election coffee).

Home Hospitality: When visiting a Finnish home, it’s common to be offered coffee. It’s considered polite to accept and finish the drink, as hospitality revolves around sharing a cup together.

Celebrations: Every celebration, from birthdays to weddings, includes coffee. It’s not just a drink but a centerpiece of the gathering.

Kakkukahvi: This term translates to ‘coffee and cake,’ highlighting the tradition of pairing coffee with sweet treats during social interactions or as part of ‘kaffeeklatsch’—a coffee chat.