Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the seventh year in a row.
The World Happiness Report today ranks the self-reported happiness scores of nearly 150,000 people in over 140 countries. Other Nordic countries are doing something and are in the top 10, with Denmark at No. 1, Iceland at No. 3, and Sweden at No. 4. Finland’s culture encourages positive well-being. The country’s ambassador praised the broad trust in institutions, access to nature, and low stress in an announcement about the report hosted by Semafor on Wednesday.
Many residents in Finland were raised to act prosocially, which translates to “wallets being returned if they’re dropped in the street [and] people helping each other day in and day out,” John Helliwell, a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, tells CNN. Furthermore, Finland is also focused on fostering positive workplace cultures and valuing work-life balance.
Serbia (no. 37) and Bulgaria (no. 81) share the award for most improved, having significantly improved their happiness scores over the last decade. However, the United States and Germany dropped out of the top 20 for the first time in the list’s history and placed 23rd and 24th, respectively.
For the first time, the list parsed out well-being evaluations by age. Young people tend to be happier than older people, with some exceptions. Denmark is the happiest country for those 60 and older, and Lithuania is the happiest country for those under 30. The happiness of those under 30 in the U.S., however, fell dramatically.
“The relationship between age and happiness is more nuanced than previously understood,” Ilana Ron Levey, Gallup’s managing director, tells Fortune in an email interview.
According to Levey, pervasive loneliness could be the reason for the decline in well-being among young people in the U.S.
“We know that social support and loneliness affect happiness, and different generations have different levels of social connections,” she says. “Factors including school closures during COVID-19, technology use, and quality of friendships may affect the young and the old differently.”
Happiest countries in the world
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Israel
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Australia
Happiest countries for those under age 30
- Lithuania
- Israel
- Serbia
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Luxembourg
- Finland
- Romania
- Netherlands
- Czech Republic
Happiest countries for those 60 and older
- Denmark
- Finland
- Norway
- Sweden
- Iceland
- New Zealand
- Netherlands
- Canada
- Australia
- United States
7 reasons Finland continues to reign World Happiness rankings
In a world often marred by stress and discontent, Finland stands out as the only country that has been consistently securing the top spot in global happiness rankings for seven consecutive years. Finland’s unwavering status as the happiest country on Earth is due to several factors behind this remarkable achievement.
Finland’s status as the happiest country in the world is maintained by seven compelling reasons.
1. Emphasis on work-life balance
Finland prioritizes work-life balance by offering shorter work hours, generous parental leave policies, and ample vacation time. This approach allows Finns to prioritize leisure, family, and personal pursuits, fostering overall well-being and satisfaction.
2. High-quality education system
Finland has a world-renowned education system in place that prioritizes equity and accessibility. With free education from preschool to university, and a focus on holistic development rather than standardised testing, Finnish schools cultivate confident, well-rounded individuals, contributing to a sense of fulfilment and purpose among citizens.
3. Gender equality
Finland stands out for its commitment to gender equality, with policies that aim to empower women and close gender gaps in various spheres of society. A society that is more equitable and inclusive, where individuals from all genders can thrive and contribute to collective happiness, can be achieved through equal opportunities in education, employment, and decision-making positions.
4. Sauna culture
Saunas hold a special place in Finnish culture, serving as a cherished tradition for relaxation, socializing, and rejuvenation. With more than three million saunas in the country, Finns consider sauna bathing a fundamental aspect of their well-being, promoting physical and mental health while fostering social connections and a sense of belonging.
5. Low levels of corruption
Finland’s corruption levels are among the lowest in the world, which promotes trust in public institutions and a sense of fairness and justice among its citizens. Finland’s reputation as a trustworthy and reliable society is built upon transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
6. Strong sense of community
Finland’s society places a great deal of emphasis on community and collective well-being. From tight-knit neighbourhoods to vibrant social circles, Finns prioritize relationships, solidarity, and mutual support, creating a sense of belonging and interconnectedness that enhances overall happiness.
7. Robust healthcare
Finland’s universal healthcare system guarantees that all citizens receive high-quality medical services, which leads to better health outcomes and peace of mind. Finland’s reputation for excellent healthcare services is based on comprehensive healthcare coverage, preventive care initiatives, and an emphasis on mental health support.
