What is the secret of the Finns and Finland.
Finland for the fifth year in a row tops the World Happiness Report rating, and its citizens are recognized as the happiest in the world. The main principles of their satisfaction with life: social support, harmony with nature, saunas and Jante's laws Gallup's worldwide poll. And it takes into account many factors, which are divided into three key categories. These are:
- Quality of Life Assessment — GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity (charity) and corruption
- Positive emotions — laughter, pleasure, interesting activities
- Negative emotions — anxiety, sadness, anger
In 2022, Finns have the best indicators. Moreover, Finland tops the ranking for the fifth year in a row!
What is the secret of happiness in a country where half a year lasts winter and night We studied what the Finns themselves write about this in the Helsinki Times and chose the main thing that is necessary for happiness.
There has been a saying in Finland for a long time: «Being born in Finland is like winning the jackpot». No one knows for sure who first said this phrase. Some say it was President Urho Kekkonen in his 1978 New Year's speech.
But why is a nation living in the northern corner of the world, with a cold climate and six months of winter and darkness, suddenly the happiest in the world? This question is asked by the Helsinki Times and answered by itself.
One of the most important indicators of happiness in a recent World Happiness Report was how safe people felt. Finland took the lead due to the low crime rate. The end result of this is a society where people feel safer and happier.
Finland also radically overhauled its education system a few years ago, and this has also helped people feel more content. The school system is one of the fairest in Europe and produces some of the best results in providing more opportunities for young people. Finland also has a universal healthcare system that plays an important role in how happy its citizens feel.
Even the poorest people get the best education and health care, and no one should be homeless. All this, of course, cannot make people happy, but it definitely makes them relaxed.
Unity with nature: saunas, kayaking and freedom
Finns also have a strong cult of nature. Residents know how to actively use their time. Rain, snow or cold winds are no problem for jogging or cycling. When the weather gets warmer in summer, people in Finland like to go outside and be active. From outdoor saunas to biking, kayaking, hiking, camping and more, there is always something to do when you have free time.
Saunas existed in other cultures, but it was in Finland that they became intertwined with the national culture. In the old days, they were the most practical place to wash during the long winters when there was no hot water. In Finland, you can still find people who were born in the sauna. It was a sterile place with hot water.
Finland has two million saunas in a population of 5.3 million, according to This is Finland. Large companies and government agencies have their own saunas. The president has an official sauna, just like the prime minister. They can be found both in city apartments and in country cottages.
Basic etiquette in the sauna is quite simple. First you take off all your clothes — you should try not to be embarrassed about this. It is considered polite to take a shower before entering. The rest of the rules are few. Stay in the sauna for as long as you feel comfortable and return to the sauna a few times if you like.
After leaving the sauna, jump into the lake or roll in the snow. And if you stay alive, you are already happy. Seriously though, they got in touch with nature, which is often impossible in global and wealthy megacities.
The Society of Equals and « Jante laws»
But, in addition to a developed system of social support and nature, there is a special culture of behavior in the Scandinavian countries — «Jante's laws». The Helsinki Times describes this philosophy of equals as follows.
Finnish culture is also very warm and focused on collaboration rather than competition. An important factor that distinguishes Finland from most Western countries is equality, which opens up opportunities for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status. Finland has a very large middle class and very few poor people. The wealthy in Finland have also traditionally been shy about displaying their wealth. The richest people in Finland can drive an old Volvo or a slightly more expensive Mercedes, but rarely a Lamborghini.
This universal modesty or equality is embodied in the ambiguous rules described by the Danish-Norwegian writer Axel Sandemus in his novel ( «The Fugitive Crosses His Trail», 1933), which takes place in the fictional city of Jant, populated mostly by workers, for which the main value is social equality. It is provided by a set of unwritten rules, any attempt to break them is punished by public contempt.
Jante's 10 rules: how to get along in Finnish society
Somewhat gloomy medieval rules — you think? And partly this is true. Today in modern Scandinavia they are usually criticized. It is believed that this kills individuality, and also does not allow modern entrepreneurship to develop. For it is not customary to be an upstart. However, as we see in the example of the old Volvo and expensive Lamborghini, modesty is still successfully cultivated in Finland.
And many believe that Sandemous's observations about the suppression of individuality and personal success are still relevant today and may explain why many people feel happier living a comfortable life rather than pursuing someone else's idea of success.
What else is needed for happiness
- An expert from Harvard named five factors that people need to be happy. This is physical and spiritual well-being, intellectual well-being, social and emotional well-being.
- According to British scientists, absolute happiness in a person occurs at 23 and 69 years. In youth, there is an anticipation of a happy life, but with age, the level of high from life decreases. By the age of 70, a person becomes wiser, understanding the importance of the simple joys that were in his life, and his self-esteem rises again.
- Scientists have proven that happiness is in money, and they have named the income necessary for this. Wealthy people tend to have better health, and this directly affects happiness. Also financially successful people who spend their money on «buying» free time and investing in experiences, not just things, increases your level of happiness.