The Finnish Way of Happiness: Lessons from the World's Happiest Nation
Finland has done it again! For the fifth time in a row, the World Happiness Report has named Finland as the happiest country in the world. But what is it that makes the Finnish people so content and satisfied with their lives?
From their strong social safety net to their unique approach to work-life balance, there are many factors that contribute to Finland's high levels of happiness. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why Finland consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world and what we can learn from their way of life.
When you think of the happiest country in the world, you don't think of a country with incredibly cold winters and introverted people, do you?
Finland is exactly such a country, but it has long held the title of the 'Happiest Country in the World'.
In the 2022 report, people in 156 countries were asked to rate their lives on a scale of 0 to 10.
It also examined factors that contribute to social support, life expectancy, generosity and the absence of corruption. Across all these factors, Finland again topped the list with the highest score.
So what is it that makes people in Finland so happy with their lives?
Let's take a look at what Finnish philosopher and psychologist Frank Martela has to say on this subject.
1. "We do not compare ourselves with our neighbors."
A Finnish poet once said: Don't compare or boast about your happiness. Finns take this really seriously, especially when it comes to material things and public displays of wealth. Martela even has a memory about this:
I once met one of the richest men in Finland. He was walking to the tram station with his baby in a stroller. He could have bought himself an expensive car or hired a driver, but he chose public transportation. This is what success looks like in Finland: Everyone is equal.
2. "We do not ignore the benefits of nature."
According to a survey conducted in 2021, 87 percent of Finns think nature is important to them because it gives them peace of mind, energy and relaxation. In Finland, employees are entitled to four weeks of summer vacation. Many use this time to go out into the countryside and get in touch with nature. It is even better for them when there are no conveniences such as electricity or running water.
3. "We do not break the circle of trust in society."
Research shows that the higher the level of trust in a country, the happier its citizens are. In 2022, a 'lost wallet' experiment tested the honesty of citizens by dropping 192 wallets in 16 cities around the world. In Helsinki, 11 out of 12 wallets were returned to their owners!
Finnish people trust each other and highly value honesty.
If you forget your laptop in a library or lose your phone on the train, you can be pretty sure you will get it back. Children also often take a public bus home from school and play freely outside without anyone supervising them.
4. And finally, of course, the education system also plays a big role.
The school system is one of the fairest in Europe, providing the best results and more opportunities for young people. Finland also has a universal healthcare system, which is an important factor in how happy its citizens feel. All these factors combined ensure that most Finns have a high standard of living and feel satisfied with their daily lives.
Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the fifth time, and it's not hard to see why. The country's strong social safety net, excellent education system, and access to nature all contribute to the high levels of happiness among its citizens. Additionally, Finland's culture values a strong sense of community and a balanced work-life integration. These factors, along with many others, make Finland a shining example of how to create a happy and thriving society. It is clear that the key to happiness is not just about wealth, but also the right policies, culture and environment to support the well-being of its citizens.
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