HELSINKI (AP) — Finland is launching a series of 'national emojis' that include people sweating in saunas, classic Nokia phones and heavy metal head-bangers.

Petra Theman from the Finnish Foreign Ministry says the emojis will be released as a way to promote the country's image abroad and are based on themes associated with Finland.

She said Wednesday that emojis suit the character of the traditionally reticent Finns "who only speak when it's necessary."

The free emojis will be released on the ministry's web publication starting Dec. 1 at a rate of one-a-day, like a seasonal advent calendar.

Emojis, unlike emoticons that use typographical displays in texts, are pictures used to express emotions or ideas.