5 Reasons Why Finland Is The World’s Happiest Country, Again

In a country where the Sun doesn't appear not just a few days but for weeks and winters last for over 200 days, the snow-capped landscape of Finland is a Nordic state with more than 75% of its land in the forest. With over 55.4 Lakhs population, this country has proven itself to be the happiest country for its residents in the world since the start of this index counting.

For the seventh year running, Finland has snagged the top spot in the World Happiness Report, solidifying its reputation as the happiest country on Earth. But what makes this nation consistently rank so high in well-being? Here's a deep dive into five key factors contributing to Finland's happiness advantage:

How Finland Maintains Its Reign as the World's Happiest Nation

Gender Equality:

Finland champions equality. The nation ranks highly in gender equality and social mobility, creating a fairer and more inclusive society. When everyone feels they have a shot at success and can contribute meaningfully, it fosters a sense of belonging and overall satisfaction. 

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, Finland in 2023 will become one of the most gender-equal nations in the world, with women accounting for 46% of parliamentary seats and 40% of councillors at the municipality level. The country's belief in gender equality is rooted in its history, as Finland became one of the first countries to grant the right to vote to its women in 1906.

Strong Social Safety Net:

Finland isn't shy about investing in its citizens. The country boasts a comprehensive social safety net encompassing quality healthcare, unemployment benefits, and generous parental leave policies. This financial security allows Finns to focus on their well-being, knowing they'll be supported during life's inevitable challenges. 

Finland regularly spends billions on its "social protection" programs, spending more than 20% of its GDP on its social services and issues, making Finland the highest country to make high proportionate expenditures in the European Union and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, that has reportedly led to 70% of Finns being satisfied with its healthcare. 

Work-Life Balance and Family-Friendly Country:

Finding balance, The Finnish work culture prioritizes a healthy work-life balance. Workers enjoy shorter workweeks, ample vacation time, and strong respect for personal time. This allows Finns to pursue hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and avoid burnout.

With most working parents all over the world struggling to balance out their leaves with finances, including superpower countries like the USA and many others, Finland has the most generous parental leave allowances in the world. 

Shorter workweeks, ample vacation time, and a strong emphasis on personal time are the norm. This allows Finns to pursue hobbies, spend quality time with loved ones, and avoid the burnout so prevalent in other parts of the world.

Nature Friendly:

Finns have a deep connection to nature. With vast forests and stunning lakes, Finland offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Studies show spending time in nature reduces stress and boosts mental well-being, a factor Finns clearly embrace. Finland's natural beauty plays a crucial role in its happiness formula Finns have easy access to the restorative power of nature.

Being an environmentally conscious country, Finland aspires to achieve a carbon-neutral goal by 2035, while being one of the lowest air-polluting countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Education Policy:

Many young students around the world experience pressured graduation debts due to high rises in tuition fees and a lack of scholarships. However, acknowledging this stress, Finland has a policy of free schooling from pre-primary to higher education, with statistically just 2% of the students attending privately funded institutions while two-thirds of high school equivalent students enrol in vocational training programmes. 

Finland's education investment per pupil is above average among OECD countries, making Finnish students experience lower educational debt stress, making students' lives easier to some extent.