UN’s World Happiness report ranks Finland #1

Finland has once again been named the happiest country in the world, according to the “World Happiness Report 2023” published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Finland has claimed the top spot, with a significantly higher score than other countries. However, there is no secret behind Finnish happiness, as it is seen as a skill that can be learned, according to Heli Jimenez, senior director at Business Finland.

Really, how is this possible? While Finland experiences long periods of darkness during the winter months, the country’s unique beauty, outdoor activities, sauna culture, and vibrant urban life make it a remarkable destination throughout the year. Finland embraces its distinct seasons and offers a wide range of experiences that capture the hearts of visitors from around the world.

To demonstrate this, Finland is offering free trips to the country for a four-day masterclass in Finnish philosophy and life balance. The inaugural “Masterclass of Happiness” will take place at the Kuru Resort in southern Finland, covering four themes: nature and lifestyle, health and balance, design and everyday life, and food and wellbeing. Only ten people will have the opportunity to attend, with all costs and travel expenses covered. For those not selected, Visit Finland assures that the masterclass will be available online later in the summer.

When asked about the reasons behind Finland’s happiness, Jimenez attributes it to the close relationship with nature and the down-to-earth lifestyle. Miika Makitalo, the Finnish CEO of HappyOrNot, also emphasizes the importance of “sisu,” a Finnish philosophy encompassing perseverance, resilience, and approaching challenges head-on. He believes that sisu defines the national character and contributes to Finland’s happiness and sense of purpose.

The “World Happiness Report” ranks countries based on average life evaluation scores, considering factors such as income, physical and mental health, social support, generosity, corruption levels, and freedom from discrimination. While global life evaluations have remained resilient despite the pandemic, Afghanistan and Lebanon rank at the bottom of the list with low average life evaluations.