Have you ever wondered why Finland consistently tops the charts as the happiest country in the world? This small Nordic nation has captured global attention with its contentment and well-being among its citizens. In today’s story, we’ll delve into the secrets behind Finland’s happiness. Let’s get started.
Since its inception in 2002, the World Happiness Report has been used for statistical analysis to rank countries based on their happiness levels. In the 2024 rankings, Finland came first globally for the 7th consecutive time. This ranking reflects the well-being of the Finnish people and provides valuable insights for other countries striving to improve their citizens’ happiness. Researchers arrived at this conclusion by examining extensive Gallup polling data from 149 countries over the past three years.
Before going forward, let us understand the metrics the United Nations considers when ranking the world’s countries. The analysis focused on six key categories:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per Capita: A measure of a country’s economic output and living standard.
- Social Support: The extent of support people feel from family, friends, and their community.
- Healthy Life Expectancy: The average number of years a person can expect to live in good health.
- Freedom to Make Life Choices: The degree to which individuals feel they have the freedom to choose what they do with their lives.
- Generosity: The overall generosity of the population, often measured by charitable donations and volunteerism.
- Perceptions of Corruption: How residents perceive corruption in both government and business sectors.
Having understood this, let us know what factors contribute to Finnish people’s happiness, making it one of the best countries to live in.
IN THE LAP OF NATURE
According to a Finnish Happiness Institute (FHI) study, Finns often attribute their happiness to their proximity to nature and the recreational and relaxation opportunities it provides. The availability of clean water, unpolluted air, and unspoiled nature has positively impacted their well-being and creativity.
‘In Finland, you are never more than a 10-minute walk from a park or forest. Finland’s low-stress lifestyle nurtures creativity, making it one of the most innovative countries in the world.’
Emma Seppälä, Ph.D., a Yale lecturer and bestselling author of The Happiness Track and Sovereign, specializes in the science of happiness. She highlights a study showing that after spending four days in nature without electronic devices, a group of backpackers scored 50% higher on a creativity test. Finns spend a substantial amount of time in nature throughout the year. When unplugging, the brain enters alpha wave mode, active problem-solving, and innovation mode. Their anti-stress lifestyle contributes to their overall peaceful coexistence.
SISU: THE FINNISH CONCEPT OF INNER STRENGTH
In the FHI study, ‘sisu’—a Finnish concept embodying grit, resilience, and determination—is frequently cited as a critical factor in the happiness of Finns. However, in Finland, ‘sisu’ goes beyond mere character strength for accomplishing tasks; it represents a commitment to excellence in execution. This unique Finnish word “sisu” is untranslatable, but that doesn’t stop people from trying: determination, guts, hardiness, courage, and willpower are some terms people use in English. This integrity-driven pursuit of the best possible outcomes empowers individuals and companies to succeed in all endeavors yielding happiness.
GENDER EQUALITY
According to a 2023 report by the World Economic Forum, Finland is among the world’s most gender-equal societies, standing at 3rd rank globally. As of April 2023, women comprised 46% of the parliament and 40% of municipal councilors. The country was one of the first in the world to grant women the right to vote and was the first country to legalize universal suffrage, the right to both vote and run for office.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS – In Finland, women hold a significant presence in various sectors:
- 12 out of the 19 Ministers in the Government are women (2023)
- 49% of all employed people are women (2021),
- Roughly one-third of all entrepreneurs are women (2022).
A FAMILY-CENTRIC COMMUNITY
While new parents in the U.S. and several other countries often grapple with balancing leave and finances, Finland offers one of the world’s most generous parental leave policies. Finland’s family leave program provides 40 working days of pregnancy leave for expectant mothers and 160 days of parental leave for guardians, irrespective of whether they are biological or adoptive parents.
- Finland’s generous leave policies are likely part of why it’s No. 3 in U.S. News’ Best Countries for Raising Kids rankings, which are based on respondents’ perceptions of a global survey.
Some other crucial factors include the fact that schooling in the country is free from pre-primary to higher education, with just 2% of students attending privately funded institutions, per EU data. As a result, Finnish students experience lower levels of graduation debt relative to their OECD peers. Finland’s government spends more than 20% of its GDP yearly on “social protection” and actively prioritizes employment, health care, pensions, etc., all contributing to happiness among people. It is also important to note that the overall trust in the Finnish society in the government, neighbors, and society makes them feel secure and relaxed. Finland consistently achieves top rankings globally for transparency and low perceived corruption. The country also scores highly in political, civil, and press freedoms, providing individuals and organizations with ample liberty.
In conclusion, the secret behind Finland’s reign as the happiest country in the world lies in its unique lifestyle and values. Imagine a place where nature is a daily companion. Happiness isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s woven into the very fabric of everyday life. May you find happiness wherever your journey takes you amidst the beauty of everyday moments and the warmth of meaningful connections.
P.S. In Finland, happiness is just a walk in the park—literally!