What Makes Finland the Happiest Country on Earth?

Finland, the happiest country in the world many times over, according to the World Happiness Report, is set to claim that title again in March 2025.

I recently visited my home country for the first time in five years. As I was showing Finland to my kids, I couldn’t help but think: Why is Finland the happiest country? What makes it stand out every March in the World Happiness Report?

As I pondered this, I revisited my book Arctic Paradise and reflected on the conversations I’ve had with many Finnish expats. Simply put, everything just works in Finland. Let me paint a picture for you

 Public Services

Yes, there’s been a lot of talk about cuts in healthcare, social services, and other sectors. However, even with these reductions, Finns still enjoy numerous benefits—many they may not even realize aren't available in other countries. For example, after you finish secondary school at age 16, and move on to upper secondary or higher education, the government provides financial student aid to help you focus on your studies. Did I mention that university tuition is free? Yes, higher education in Finland is free.

Life Satisfaction

Finnish people are happy. Though Finns may not smile much as you walk the streets of Helsinki, the capital, people generally have less to worry about in Finland. It’s a safe place to travel, work, and live, with a society designed to support you during hard times. When your basic needs are taken care of, why wouldn’t you be happy? The Swedish word lagom—not too much, not too little, just right—captures this idea perfectly.

Lagom - not too much, not too , little just right.

Strong Social Suport

There are fewer people in extreme poverty, homelessness, or unable to care for themselves due to chronic illness. And even if you find yourself in difficult circumstances, the government provides financial aid and a robust support network. If you’re homeless, you can apply for housing; if you’re chronically ill and unable to work, you’ll receive assistance.

Trust

Do you trust your neighbors? Do you know them? Finland is a high-trust society. People trust authorities (Finland is one of the least corrupt countries in the world), neighbors, politicians, and fellow citizens. It’s safe to travel and use public transportation, which is reliable with fewer delays or breakdowns compared to many other countries.

Gender Equality

Finland is one of the most gender-equal societies in the world. In 2023, women made up 46% of Finland's parliament and 40% of municipal councilors. Finland was one of the first countries to grant women the right to vote, back in 1906.

Sustainable Society

Finland has ambitious sustainability goals, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2035. Its commitment to the environment is visible in the lush green parks and forests that invite you to explore. No wonder Finns spend so much time outdoors, and Finland is often ranked as one of the best countries for green living.

When I waved goodbye to my family at the Helsinki airport after two weeks of enjoying the pristine waters, fishing, and reconnecting with friends and family, I knew they were living a blissful and happy life. Living in Finland is easy. You don’t need much to be happy. It's something many other countries could learn from. Finland is the happiest country without even trying—because, as my friends say, everything just works.

If you’d like to learn more about Finland, the happiest country on Earth, I invite you to read my book Arctic Paradise: The Paradox of Finnish Happiness. I explore why Finland is the happiest country, and also why not everyone may feel the same. There are still areas Finland can improve upon.

I am confident that Finland will be the happiest country come March 2025. This blog post is published in October 2024. Lots would have to happen if Finland would not be happiest of them all March 2025.

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