To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

This is why Finland has been the happiest country in the world for nearly a decade

Ben Thompson

Published 
| Last updated 

This is why Finland has been the happiest country in the world for nearly a decade

Featured Image Credit: Jon Bilous / Alamy Stock Photo/Manfred Gottschalk / Alamy Stock Photo

It may not have the scorching hot beaches that many of us dream of, but Finland has consistently been voted the happiest country in the world for nearly a decade.

For six years in a row, Finland has been ranked the world's happiest country by The World Happiness Report.

Loading…

Advert

The report asks people in 156 countries to value their lives on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst rating.

Also taken into consideration when ranking a country is level of corruption, social support, life expectancy and generosity.

Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher Frank Martela explained the reasons why his home country is scoring top points on the report.

First he notes, the Finnish don't compare themselves to their neighbours.

Advert

Martela writes: "I once ran into one of the wealthiest men in Finland.

Finland has been ranked the world's happiest country for nearly a decade. Credit: Pixabay
Finland has been ranked the world's happiest country for nearly a decade. Credit: Pixabay

"He was pushing his toddler in a stroller towards the tram station. He could have bought himself an expensive car or hire a driver, but he opted for public transportation.

"That’s what success looks like in Finland: just like everyone else."

Advert

Modest living aside, the people of Finland also take a keen interest in nature - with 87 percent of Finns ranking nature as important to them in a 2021 survey.

Martela explains: "In Finland, employees are entitled to four weeks of summer holiday.

"Many of us use that time to hit the countryside and immerse ourselves in nature. The fewer amenities, even to the point of no electricity or running water in the house, the better.

"A lot of Finnish cities are also densely built, which means that many people have access to nature at their doorsteps. I live next to Helsinki Central Park, where I go on regular walks."

Advert
Helsinki is the capital of Finland, ranked the happiest country in the world for nearly a decade. Credit: Pixabay
Helsinki is the capital of Finland, ranked the happiest country in the world for nearly a decade. Credit: Pixabay

In addition to this, Finland is a 'high trust' society, where people believe in the honesty of their fellow citizens.

Martela writes: "Finnish people tend to trust each other and value honesty. If you forget your laptop in a library or lost your phone on the train, you can be quite confident you’ll get it back.

"Kids also often take a public bus home from school and play outside without supervision."

Advert

Is it any wonder that 'being born in Finland is like winning the jackpot' is a saying in the Nordic country?

With low crime rates, beautiful landscapes and one of the best education systems in the world, Finland certainly has a lot to be happy about.

It doesn't hurt that their Prime Minister seems like the type of person you'd want to go for a drink with.

Finnish PM Sanna Marin works hard and parties hard. Credit: Instagram/@sannamarin
Finnish PM Sanna Marin works hard and parties hard. Credit: Instagram/@sannamarin

Sanna Marin took office as the country's youngest leader at age 34 as leader of the Social Democratic Party.

Her tenure hasn't been without controversies - as Marin has had to apologise after a picture of topless influencers kissing at her official residence circulated online.

Marin's partying has also landed her in hot water when videos of her singing and dancing at a party were shared online.

Topics: Community, Travel, World News

Ben Thompson
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

Celebrity

Elle Fanning says she was turned down from a movie role at 16-years-old for being 'unf***able'

8 hours ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

Cocaine Bear fans react to new horror film Crackcoon after gruesome trailer drops

9 hours ago