Images courtesy of Helsinki Partners

In a world fraught with ever-increasing stress and uncertainty, one nation consistently stands out as a beacon of contentment and wellbeing. HAPPINESS ON HELSINKI DAY On June 12, the city's birthday, Helsingians gather around tables going about the same length as their Esplanade park for an outdoor picnic
Finland, the land of 30,000 lakes, has secured the coveted title of the world’s happiest country for an impressive six years running. So off I went to see it first hand. After traveling for about 18 hours, which included a quick stop in Istanbul, I found myself in sunny Helsinki. The following day, our group of journalists from Asia, Europe, and the Americas met with Frank Martela, PhD. A university lecturer at Aalto University, he’s what you’d call a happiness expert, thanks to his research on wellbeing. “Finland is the land of quiet satisfaction,” said Dr. Martela as he flashed an article he wrote for the Scientific American on the screen. The title? “Finland Is the Happiest Country in the World and Finns are Not Happy about It.” “We consider ourselves as melancholics,” he explained, adding that the World Happiness Report they consistently top should be called The Quality of Life Survey instead. The survey asks respondents to rate their current life on a scale called the Cantril Ladder, ranging from zero (worst possible) to 10 (best possible life). Six factors are considered in answering this question: income, health, having someone to rely on, freedom to make life decisions, generosity, and absence of corruption. Finland scores high in each of these areas as a welfare state.

An egalitarian society

Surprisingly, happiness is not solely derived from incessant cheerfulness, but rather from a meticulously crafted infrastructure that prioritizes quality of life, trust in systems, and a deep connection with nature. Delving into the core of Finland’s “Infrastructure of Happiness” unveils a blueprint worth exploring and emulating. At the heart of Finland’s happiness lies a relentless commitment to providing its citizens with a remarkable quality of life. Our briefing with Dr. Martela was in one of the meeting rooms of the Oodi, Helsinki’s main library that is so much more than a place for reading. It’s a place where learning, play, and even creativity are all democratized. The Finnish society recognizes that true happiness extends far beyond wealth, embracing the notion that wellbeing is a multidimensional construct. At Oodi and in school, children from different financial backgrounds learn and play together. Finland’s education system, lauded as one of the best globally, fosters an egalitarian and inclusive environment where every child has equal access to top-quality education. This commitment to education serves as a solid foundation for building a competent and resilient workforce while also nurturing a culture of lifelong learning and personal growth. On our last day, we visited a kindergarten where children go to the forest thrice a week with their teacher and nurse to explore and connect with nature. Real school only starts at seven years old. “I think it is important to allow kids to be kids,” their teacher Julia shared.

Health as a priority

Despite Finland ranking consistently high in happiness, it is the fifth highest in suicide rates (16.5 per 100,000). Mental health challenges, including depression and mood disorders, are prevalent and worsened by long, dark winters and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While most Finns adapt to the seasons, not everyone does. Dr. Martela acknowledges potential shortcomings in international depression comparisons, and although some researchers suggest Finland’s rates are closer to the global average, it remains a significant issue. To address this, Finland prioritizes mental health by reducing stigma, promoting help-seeking, and improving access to mental health services. Moreover, Finland’s robust healthcare system ensures that every citizen has access to high-quality healthcare services, promoting physical and mental wellbeing. The emphasis on preventive care and early intervention helps alleviate the burden of chronic diseases and reduces healthcare disparities, fostering a sense of security and trust in the system.

Built on trust

People trust each other and their systems in Finland. Built on a strong social contract, citizens trust their government and institutions to act in their best interests. This trust is cultivated through transparent governance, low levels of corruption, and an emphasis on egalitarianism. The Finnish welfare state, characterized by its comprehensive social safety net, ensures that no one is left behind, thus strengthening social cohesion and fostering a deep sense of community. Finnish people exhibit a remarkable level of trust in one another, resulting in a strong sense of social capital. This trust is evident in the openness and honesty with which Finns interact with each other, forming the basis for strong social networks, supportive communities, and a shared responsibility for the wellbeing of all. Lost items are usually returned and people check on each other. The only thing Finns are wary about are the seagulls that have become quite adept in stealing food.

One with nature

Finland’s nature plays a vital role in citizens’ quality of life. Pristine forests, clear lakes, and untouched wilderness offer a serene escape from modern stress. Jöell, our guide, expressed, “I feel good knowing I can always get to a forest and go for a quiet walk in half an hour.” The concept of “everyman’s rights” allows everyone to freely enjoy and explore nature, fostering a profound connection between individuals and the environment. This communion provides tranquility, rejuvenation, and a much-needed respite from daily demands. ONE WITH NATURE Kindergarteners enjoy time in the forest as early as the age of one
While Finland’s happiness ranking may seem unattainable overnight, there are lessons to be gleaned. Let’s draw inspiration from its remarkable achievements and strive to create a better future. By investing in education, healthcare, trust, transparency, and cherishing natural resources, we can build a society that flourishes with happiness, true resilience, and wellbeing. As Minja Nieminen, who returned to Finland with her family after years of studying and working abroad, put it, “Raising children here and the quality of life is just so good, I can’t imagine going anywhere else until my kids are a bit older.” The Finnish example reminds us that true prosperity lies not in the accumulation of material wealth, but in the cultivation of a holistic and inclusive society, where happiness and contentment become an integral part of the collective identity. Maybe then, fewer people will be a little too eager to get away.