Desk Report:
Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for the past eight years. What is the reason for this? Social and economic security, high rates of education and research—are these the reasons? Scientists have given their answers.
A study has shown that twice as many strangers actually return lost wallets than people thought. The researchers say, “If you think the people around you are compassionate, you are happiest then.”
Finland is at the top of this year’s ‘World Happiness Report’. The main reasons for this position are high life satisfaction, transparent governance, universal healthcare and a strong culture of social support.
Finland teaches us that happiness does not depend only on wealth. Rather, a happy society is born from the combination of trust, compassion, mental health, a connection with nature, social security and an open culture.
Why Finland is unique
According to Gallup Managing Director Ilana Ron-Levy, what sets Finland apart from others is its social trust, optimism about the future and exceptional social support network. These elements ensure lasting happiness and peace of mind in the lives of Finns.
Safe and improved healthcare
One of Finland’s great strengths is its public healthcare. The country provides quality medical care to its citizens almost free of charge. This includes mental health care. This is helping to reduce prejudices about mental health among Finnish citizens. Family holidays, work-life balance and a naturally healthy lifestyle all combine to make living in Finland very comfortable. The country has a culture of open expression of emotions. Mari Larivara, an expert at Mental Health Finland, says that Finns feel comfortable talking openly about the challenges they face in their lives. Research shows that this practice helps improve mental health and strengthen social bonds
Mental health is not something to be neglected
‘Self-care’ is not just a fashionable word in Finland. Finns experience different levels of sunlight in different seasons. North of the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets during the summer, from May to August. In winter, the sun never rises at all from November to February. In the south of the country, daylight hours are only 6 hours in winter, compared to 20 hours in summer. These factors have led to their habit of taking preventive measures in advance. Finns keep some habits active at all times, such as taking a daily walk outside or practicing the sacred sauna. For them, self-care is part of everyday life.
Nature and creative life are important
Forests, lakes, and the coast—these natural resources are open to everyone in Finnish culture. Outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and camping are common. There are also low-cost educational and creative opportunities, which increase personal development and social connections.
Happiness means continuous peace
“For Finns, happiness does not mean extravagant joy, but a stable satisfaction with life,” says Juho Saari, a professor at the University of Tampere. Mirka Hintsanen, a professor at the University of Oulu, believes that “while personal attitudes are important, external environments, social policies and government management play a big role in making people happy.”
Less time means better focus
Patrice Poltzer, a New York expatriate, traveled to Helsinki with her husband and three children in December last year. In Finland, the sun rises at noon and sets at around 3:30 p.m.! Seeing this scene, Patrice was a little surprised and asked the taxi driver, “How is everyone so happy in such low light?”
The driver said that even in the midst of the dark winter, Finland has maintained one of the most innovative and productive economies in the world. Patrice understands that it is not the long length of the day, but the short time that allows for more focus. The power of winter is different. It is true that you cannot do everything in winter. Yet, the people of Finland have turned it into a strength.
How is happiness measured
The ‘World Happiness Report’ collected assessments of the lives of citizens of various countries around the world, including Finland, between 2022 and 2024. People were asked questions on a scale called the ‘Country Ladder’, where zero means the worst life, and 10 means the best. Along with this score, some other factors were taken into account. They are per capita income, social support, healthy life expectancy, personal freedom and generosity.
Which countries are ahead
Finland is followed by Denmark and Iceland in this year’s UN-proposed ‘World Happiness Report’. However, two Latin American countries, Costa Rica and Mexico, have made it to the top 10 for the first time. Experts say that family relationships play a big role in this.
Source: BBC, EVEN Express, CNBC
Photo by Patrice Poltzer, source CNBC
