The 2024 World Happiness Report highlights Finland’s enduring happiness, with a focus on sisu, social support, and sauna culture

For the seventh year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world according to the United Nations and Gallup Poll’s 2024 World Happiness Report. This annual survey, which evaluates the life satisfaction of over 100,000 people across 143 countries, placed Finland at the top of the happiness ladder, underscoring the nation’s strong social fabric, resilient culture, and high standard of living.

The report, released in conjunction with the UN’s International Day of Happiness on March 20, uses a comprehensive methodology to assess various factors contributing to a country’s happiness levels. These include social support, gross domestic product (GDP), life expectancy, freedom, and public trust in government. Finland excelled in these areas, with its Nordic neighbours Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway also ranking within the top 10, highlighting the overall happiness of the Nordic region.

One of the keys to Finland’s high life satisfaction scores is sisu, a Finnish concept roughly translating to resilience or perseverance. This cultural characteristic encourages individuals to tap into their deepest strength and resilience in the face of challenges, contributing to stronger mental health and stability, even during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, Finland’s robust social support network plays a critical role in its happiness rankings. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index, 96 per cent of Finns report having someone they can rely on in times of need, compared to the global average. This sense of community and support is crucial in combatting loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging among citizens.

Another facet of Finnish happiness is the country’s widespread sauna culture, which not only offers physical health benefits but also serves as a vital social practice. With an estimated 3.3 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million people, sauna visits are a time for relaxation, contemplation, and socializing, further enriching the Finnish experience of happiness and life satisfaction.

In response to Finland’s repeated success in the happiness rankings, the country’s tourism board has launched initiatives like the Helsinki Happiness Hacks Masterclass. This program invites people from around the globe to learn about and experience the Finnish way of life, aiming to share the secrets of Finnish happiness with the world.

Meanwhile, the United States experienced a decline in happiness, falling to number 23 in the 2024 rankings, its lowest position since the report began in 2012. This drop is attributed to the relative happiness increase in other countries and a noticeable disparity in happiness levels between younger and older Americans, highlighting the need for attention to mental health and social connectivity across age groups.

As nations worldwide strive to improve the well-being of their citizens, Finland’s consistent top ranking in the World Happiness Report serves as a model for integrating societal support, cultural resilience, and communal activities into the fabric of national happiness.