Finland is the Happiest Country in the World, surpassing other Nordic countries in terms of prosperity and quality of life. You might wonder what makes Finland the happiest country on Earth. In this article from FinlandQ, we will examine the influential factors behind this phenomenon.

10 Reasons Why Finland is the Happiest Country

These reasons are based on the experiences of Finland’s residents and collected from tourists, and it is not an official list.

• Finnish Nature

It’s widely known that Finland’s nature is exceptionally unique and pristine. Finland truly experiences all four seasons, which is distinct and remarkable. Finland’s air is refreshingly clean and pure, setting it apart from industrialized countries. Breathing the air in Finland is a genuine pleasure. Finland boasts nearly 200,000 lakes and lush forested areas, along with the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This creates a beautiful and awe-inspiring natural environment.

About three-quarters of Finland is covered in forests, with over 40 national parks spread across the country. The Finns love to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and connect with nature for relaxation. Thanks to Finland’s “Everyman’s Right” laws, everyone can move freely in nature without fear of trespassing on private land. Activities like swimming, hiking, cycling, and camping are popular in the summer. In the winter, there are various activities in the snow, such as skiing and snow biking in the snowy mountains, which can provide incredible thrills.

• High Safety Levels

Finland’s status as the happiest country isn’t solely due to its natural beauty. The country is also renowned for its exceptional safety, which contributes to the contentment of its residents. If you lose your wallet or phone in Finland, chances are you’ll get them back, as the Finns are honest people. Even in the late hours of the night, you’ll feel safe in the city when you’re alone. You can go for a stroll along the seaside early in the morning without a worry. Finnish cities are known for their low crime rates, and the police and city officials are highly trustworthy.

• Highest Coffee Consumption in the World

Finland is not only the happiest country but also the top consumer of coffee in the world. Coffee makes Finns happy, and consuming eight cups of coffee a day is quite ordinary. Finland has several unique coffee customs, and you’ll discover various coffee-drinking habits among its residents. For instance, when making plans with someone, you can simply ask, “Do you want to have coffee with me?” It may not sound important, but in reality, these coffee meetings are part of Finnish culture. The Finns always offer coffee to their guests, and if you ask your Finnish host if they want a cup of coffee, their answer will often be, “Oh, you don’t need to make coffee for me right now.” In reality, it’s a way of saying, “Yes, let’s have coffee.”

• Honesty

One of the most essential human characteristics, honesty, has sadly been lost in today’s busy and fast-paced life. However, in Finland, that’s not the case. The Finns are exceptionally truthful and they live by their word. Of course, it’s important not to expect beautiful words from the Finns because they’re straightforward in their approach.

• Sweets

No one knows sweets like the Finns do. Chocolate, berry pastries, and other Finnish sweets are things that almost everyone knows. They’re often carried as gifts to gatherings because the Finns love receiving sweets.

• Education (Best Education System)

Finland is known for its high-quality education. In the PISA study, Finland consistently held the top position for many years, and its education system is one of the best in the world. Finnish schools have always been free, and they provide students with a free warm meal. Finland underwent a significant transformation in its education system after World War II, and this transformation further advanced the country. Today, many countries seek to use the Finnish education system as a model because Finnish students rank highly in terms of academic levels and life satisfaction among top countries in the world.

• Investing in Homes

As a fan of all things Finnish, I must mention Finnish homes. The Finns invest a lot in their homes to make them cozy and appealing. Although they may not own many homes or apartments, they often buy a home where they can feel comfortable, and, on top of that, it has a beautiful view. The Finns spend a lot of time at home, especially in the winter, and love to host guests. So this love of home is entirely natural.

• Finns Appreciate Small Things

Finns have a deep appreciation for small things in life and take the utmost pleasure in them, such as a sauna on a Friday evening, a walk in nature, or a family meal. By indulging in these simple pleasures, Finns find happiness and typically fill their weekend plans with such small things.

• Fresh Food

Good food is undeniably one of the things that make Finns happy. They enjoy having fresh food and hold it in high regard. In Finland, you can pick berries and mushrooms from the forest, and fresh fish is always available. The freshness and quality of these locally-sourced items are as important as the taste of the food itself. Since many of the foods are only available seasonally, the Finns take the utmost pleasure in their meals.

• Startup Blossoms

Finland may be small, but it’s a hub of innovation, having given the world things like SMS, 5G, and Linux. You’ve probably heard of Angry Birds and Clash of Clans, both of which were created and introduced in Finland, achieving significant global success. Most digital startups were founded in Finland, and new technologies are used in all aspects of life. When you can handle administrative tasks or requests online, things become much more straightforward. Doing things online gives you more time for other activities, such as walking in nature or spending more time with friends and family.

• Slowing Down Life’s Pace on Blue Journeys

Sailing on the thousands of lakes with kayaks in Finland is fantastic. In a land of a thousand lakes, there are 188,000 watercourses, and with their help, you can experience the beauty and tranquility within and around the waters of this country. Crystal-clear water, beautiful shores, and over 50 islands in Päijänne National Park can be enjoyed on your journey. While on your aquatic journey, take a look at the wooden cabins of Finland or sit back to watch fishermen turn over the lakes. It’s a great way to leave all the everyday life worries behind.

• Sauna

According to the Finns, a sauna is beneficial for the mind and increases happiness. They also regard it as a place for meditation and a way to disconnect from the outside world, making these features the reasons for the high popularity of saunas in Finland. The tradition of saunas is still very much alive in Finland, with the ritual of heating up the sauna, customs, and practices associated with using saunas, and visits to the sauna often featuring in songs, beliefs, and Finnish traditions. Almost 90% of Finns go to the sauna once a week, so it’s no wonder there’s a sauna even for travelers at Helsinki Airport.

Have you ever been to Finland? What do you think of this list? Do you think something is missing from this list, or do you believe that these things have no impact on happiness? Share your thoughts in the comments section on FinlandQ.