What makes Finland the happiest place on Earth?
For the last eight years, Finland has topped the list of the world’s happiest countries. Our writer embarks on a tour to discover their secret
TL;DR
- Finland has topped the World Happiness Report for eight years.
- Key factors contributing to Finnish happiness include low expectations, societal equality, and a strong connection with nature.
- Simple pleasures, such as berry picking, swimming in lakes, and spending time in forests, are central to Finnish well-being.
- The Finnish sauna tradition offers a way to cope with dark winters and promote relaxation.
- Embracing both the light and dark seasons, and finding joy in activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, is part of the Finnish ethos.
- Helsinki offers a blend of nature and culture, with attractions like the Helsinki Biennial and various pools and saunas.
- Finnish happiness is found in intimate familiarity with a place rather than a bucket-list approach.
- The Moomin character's ethos of 'I only want to live in peace, plant potatoes and dream' reflects a core aspect of Finnish happiness.