For five years in a row, Finland has ranked No. 1 as the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.
In 2022's report, people in 156 countries were asked to "value their lives today on a 0 to 10 scale, with the worst possible life as a 0." It also looks at factors that contribute to social support, life expectancy, generosity and absence of corruption.
As a Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher who studies the fundamentals of happiness, I'm often asked: What exactly makes people in Finland so exceptionally satisfied with their lives?
To maintain a high quality of life, here are three things we never do:
1. We don't compare ourselves to our neighbors.
There's a famous line by a Finnish poet: "Kell' onni on, se onnen kätkeköön." Roughly translated, it means: Don't compare or brag about your happiness.
Finns really take this to heart, especially when it comes to material things and overt displays of wealth.
I once ran into one of the wealthiest men in Finland. 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.
Happiness tip: Focus more on what makes you happy and less on looking successful. The first step to true happiness is to set your own standards, instead of comparing yourself to others.
2. We don't overlook the benefits of nature.
According to a 2021 survey, 87% of Finns feel that nature is important to them because it provides them with peace of mind, energy and relaxation.
In Finland, employees are entitled tofour weeksof 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.
Happiness tip: Spending time in nature increases our vitality, well-being and a gives us a sense of personal growth. Find ways to add some greenery to your life, even if it's just buying a few plants for your home.
3. We don't break the community circle of trust.
Research shows that the higher the levels of trust within a country, the happier its citizens are.
A "lost wallet" experiment in 2022 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 the owner.
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.
Happiness tip: Think about how you can show up for your community. How can you create more trust? How can you support policies that build upon that trust?Small acts like opening doors for strangers or giving up a seat on the train makes a difference, too.
Frank Martela, PhD, is a philosopher and psychology researcher who studies the fundamentals of happiness. He is also a lecturer at Aalto University in Finland and the author of "A Wonderful Life: Insights on Finding a Meaningful Existence." Follow him on Twitter.
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As a Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher deeply immersed in the study of happiness, I can provide valuable insights into why Finland consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world. The evidence lies not just in statistics but in the ingrained cultural practices and mindset that contribute to the overall well-being of the Finnish people.
Firstly, the emphasis on not comparing oneself to others is a key aspect of Finnish happiness. The cultural norm, encapsulated in the Finnish proverb "Kell' onni on, se onnen kätkeköön," discourages the overt comparison or boasting about one's happiness or material possessions. This approach fosters contentment by encouraging individuals to define success on their terms rather than through external comparisons.
I can support this with a personal anecdote involving one of the wealthiest individuals in Finland choosing public transportation over extravagant displays of wealth. This exemplifies the Finnish definition of success, which aligns with the idea that true happiness stems from focusing on personal fulfillment rather than societal expectations.
Secondly, the strong connection Finns have with nature is another crucial factor. The evidence comes from a 2021 survey showing that 87% of Finns consider nature essential for peace of mind, energy, and relaxation. The cultural norm of taking four weeks of summer holiday, often spent in the countryside without modern amenities, underlines the importance of nature in the Finnish lifestyle.
To further illustrate, I live near Helsinki Central Park, where regular walks in nature contribute to my well-being. This connection with nature is not just a leisure activity but an integral part of the Finnish approach to maintaining a high quality of life.
Lastly, the high levels of trust within the Finnish community significantly contribute to the happiness of its citizens. The "lost wallet" experiment in 2022, where 11 out of 12 wallets were returned in Helsinki, demonstrates the honesty and trustworthiness of the Finnish people. This trust extends to daily life, with children taking public transportation and playing outside without constant supervision.
In conclusion, the Finnish happiness model involves a combination of individualistic values, a strong connection with nature, and a community built on trust and honesty. These cultural practices and mindsets, backed by evidence such as survey results and real-world experiments, contribute to Finland's consistent ranking as the happiest country in the world.
