Finland has held the number-one spot as the happiest country on earth for over eight years. But what do they do differently there that makes their residents so satisfied?
According to CNN, the nature and welfare system in Finland are the most important factors, but also the people of this country are contributing to this ranking. The neighboring Nordic countries, such as Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, continue to hold the top-four positions in that same order.
This past year, the United Kingdom and the United States experienced their lowest rankings with regards to citizen happiness, at 23rd and 24th place, respectively. Meanwhile, Mexico and Costa Rica have been ranked highly at 10th and 6th. The study, published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, asked people to rate their own lives on a scale of zero-to-ten, with zero being the worst possible life and ten being the best possible life.
But you may be asking yourself, “What makes Finland and these other countries so great?”
BBC News states that “sharing meals with others was strongly linked with well-being across the globe.” In a report from the Associated Press, it was noted that 53% of Americans confessed that they dine alone, while the Finns emphasize the importance of having someone to dine with for every meal.
Furthermore, Finland’s welfare system is divided into programs that guarantee income security. The first focuses on social insurance for individuals who are retired, pregnant, unemployed, suffer from work-related injuries or are simply ill. Next, there are welfare provisions that provide financial aid to families through child payments, maternity grants, support for post-war victims and survivors and assistance for people with disabilities. These programs greatly benefit the people of Finland, as there is, quite literally, insurance available to them for any situation.
If anyone is suffering in Finland, these programs are in place to help those in need. Since the government has established these programs and pension systems, the community and government have a strong bond. CNN reports that this is something that the United States and some parts of Europe are lacking.
The Finns also have trust in their society. CEO Jon Clifton said, based on a report by AP News, “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back.” In Finland, the likelihood that someone will take time out of their day to return a lost wallet to its owner is twice as high as in other countries.
The welfare state in Finland isn’t the only reason why people are more likely to return a wallet. It’s also because there are individuals who care about the people with whom they live, according to John Helliwell, a researcher from CNN. Nordic countries aren’t just about wealth or economic success. They have a deeper understanding of what matters most to them: trust, human connection and a shared belief that people and society have their back.
The citizens of Finland find peace in nature, because it is a part of their lifestyle. The “Everyman’s Rights” Act of 1994 gives people the freedom to roam forests, lakes and the open countryside, including activities like hiking, berry picking or just taking in the sights of nature. According to Forbes, spending time outdoors “is deeply embedded in the Finnish psyche, no matter the season.”
These factors make the citizens of Finland very happy, although there are psychological factors that contribute to their happiness as well. The overall lifestyle of the Finnish people is joyful and peaceful. Maybe we should learn from the Finns and go outside once in a while and enjoy what the world has to offer.
Can 5.6 million people really be wrong?
