Finland must be applauded. The country values the true meaning of good and happy life and its provides the same to its people. Every citizen there gets facilities like free health care, education and unemployment allowance without fretting. People are happy and satisfied with the security and facilities they get in exchange for high taxes. I think it is very important for any country to ensure the essentials and basic facilities to its citizens. It may sound easy but it isn’t because we know how most of the countries have failed in providing for these.
In the World Happiness Report 2025 released by the United Nations on International Happiness Day, this country never fails to be numero uno. It has grabbed the number one position for the eighth consecutive year. Denmark is at number two, Iceland at third and Sweden at fourth.
What is this report and how is the ranking done? This is an annual ranking prepared based on surveys of residents of more than 140 countries. The report is produced in partnership between Gallup, the University of Oxford’s Centre for Well-being Research, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an independent editorial board. The report uses six key variables to explain global distinctness in happiness: gross domestic product (GDP), life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom and corruption. This achievement will surprise you more if I tell you that the personal income tax rate in Finland is 56.95%. Yet, the locals are satisfied with their lives and live a stress-free life.
According to Jan-Emmanuel de Neve, an economist at the University of Oxford and director of its Wellbeing Research Centre, Happiness does not mean that you will find people dancing in the streets in ecstasy but it is about the satisfaction with themselves, their life around and the lack of issues around them. He further says, that people in Finland are wealthy and healthy, and have social connections, social support and a connection with nature.
WHAT MAKES FINLAND A HAPPY PLACE?
- Social security: The government takes care of the basic needs of every citizen, which reduces stress.
- Work-life balance: Here one gets 40 hours (5 days) of work a week and 24-30 days of leave in a year. One has plenty of time for oneself, for nature and for family.
- Mutual trust: Strong trust between society and the government brings out better productivity and fosters general happiness.
- Average salary: Even after tax, the average monthly income is ₹2.36 lakh, which keeps the standard of living high.
- Interestingly, Finland also has a very productive economy that is one of the world’s most innovative.
- And overall, there is no hustle culture.
THE COUNTRY TAKES EVERY POSSIBLE STEP TO KEEP THE PEOPLE HAPPY
This country takes every possible step to keep the lives of its people secure. Being corruption free is its biggest strength. This brings financial security to one and all. People have a good income. They pay high taxes. There is pure air and water, people are satisfied with their lives. The education system is the best in the world. Along with this, the press has complete freedom. That means whatever good you think in your imagination, you will get it all in this country. Crime is under control. Every person lives in perfect sync with nature and themselves. The Finns also take self-care seriously. They make the most of the sunny days and in winters, they conserve the energy and adjust according to the weather. Taking care of their health is a habit like it has been woven into a fabric and it is a sacred ritual for them. On an average, Finland has about 18 people per square kilometer, which makes it the least populated country in the European Union. . Elections are held in a very fair manner in Finland. People can exercise freedom of expression and Human rights are protected. This is the third largest country in terms of pure air. This has been said in the report of the World Health Organization. At the same time, it is in the best position in the world in terms of water. There are a total of 1, 87,888 lakes here, due to which it is also called the country of lakes. Also, there are a large amount of forests. Quite an extraordinary country it is!
EVERY CITIZEN GETS FINANCIAL SECURITY–
Finland is one of the most developed countries in the world. Despite high taxes, citizen here enjoys financial security. Even after losing their job, they do not have to face financial difficulties. They do not have to think about what will happen if they grow old and do not have money. In case of an accident or illness, the government bears the entire cost of treatment. This gives a lot of mental peace and satisfaction.
CRIME IS NEXT TO NIL– This is the safest country. The total population here is 55 lakhs. In the year 2015, only 50 murders took place here. Organized crime is almost non-existent. The police is very trustworthy and efficient. The police and internet security there are considered to be second best in the world. The law is strictly followed. The administration here is considered to be the best in the world. Corruption is the least here. With a progressive mindset, the country thrives. The parameters on which the UN report has declared it the happiest country include all these parameters, which show that there is no unhappiness in the country and there is satisfaction.
NO ONE IS WITHOUT HOME – The economy is very strong. Finland’s banks are considered to be the strongest in the world. However, the GDP here is low. This is the only country in the world where there are no homeless people.
POPULAR DESTINATION FOR IMMIGRANTS– Finland is a popular destination for immigrants, with people relocating for employment, business opportunities, or other reasons. The European Website on Integration shows that migrants in Finland are satisfied with the integration services provided. The happiness of immigrants depends predominantly on the quality of life where they now live, illustrating a general pattern of convergence.
HIGHEST EXPENDITURE ON RESEARCH AND TRAINING– The country loves to dedicate a huge amount on research and training. The country is also recognized for giving pretty good talents in the world. In 2023, Finland’s research and development (R&D) expenditure reached EUR 8.4 billion, a 6.3% increase from 2022, with the government sector seeing the largest real growth (5.1%). Finland aims to increase R&D spending to 4% of GDP by 2030, with the current R&D intensity around 2.9%.
EXCELLENT EDUCATION SYSTEM– The education system here is cited as an example all over the world. According to the Global Competitive Report 2016-17, it is the best in the world. While the level of higher education is third in the world. It is also among the most literate countries in the world. The number of people using libraries here is second in Europe.
TRAFFIC CHALLANS AS PER PEOPLE’S SALARY– Finland is special in many ways, but it is interesting that traffic challans are issued there according to people’s salary. This isn’t an easy system and they often face challenges as people get away by quoting less.
Overall, Finland has too many positives. And this is what makes the local satisfied with their lives. This is what every citizen seeks from their country. Like Finland, citizens must have access to lots of nature, free medical perks, greenery, better infrastructure, basic amenities, and living spaces. Consumer confidence is the strongest in Europe. It is among the top five countries in the world in terms of gender equality. Finland is the third top country in the world in terms of having the highest number of women MPs. Bravo!
BEIEF HISTORY OF FINLAND
Finland was under monarchy for many centuries but in the 19th century until Russia occupied it. In the early 1900s the people of Finland gained independence. But Swedish culture is completely evident here. The reason for this is that it was once a part of Sweden. One of the two official languages here is Swedish and the other is Finnish. Before the Second World War it was an agricultural country but in the 50s there was a radical change here. Big industries were set up and a big market started, after which it became one of the biggest economies of the world. The IMF considers it the best country in the world.
Finland has the natural beauty of lush forests, lakes, and the Arctic region, which makes it a paradise. Finland is a calm and beautiful country, where one gets the experience of living with nature. According to a 2021 survey, 87% of Finns feel that nature is important to them because it provides them with peace of mind, energy and relaxation.
I have had a very brief stopover in Helsinki and the urge to visit the country is strong. Hopefully, I will go there soon.
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