For the eighth year running, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world in new rankings published today.
Based on the World Happiness Report‘s data, they’re leaps and bounds happier than the US, which dropped to 24th place — the lowest ever.
What makes Finland markedly happier than even its Nordic neighbors is down to a mix of factors — but the Finns themselves attribute their superior well-being to a few things they do differently.
Coming in just after Finland are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands. Rounding out the top 10 are Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg and Mexico.
The US was also beat out by Ireland, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the UK — though it edged ahead of France, Brazil, Spain, Italy and 119 others.
The rankings were based a combination of factors, including GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, perception of corruption and the freedom to make life choices.
But according to Finnish people, there are a few things they do better.
Enjoy lots of sunlight
Finland is known for its dark Arctic winters during which the country only gets six hours of sunlight per day — a phenomenon that they deal with by indulging in cozy comforts like tea, warm fires and thick blankets.
But they are rewarded with endless daylight in the summer — giving the country the nickname “Land of the Midnight Sun.”
The Finns certainly take advantage of this brief boost of sunlight, and it almost certainly has a positive impact on their well-being.
Research has shown that sunlight increases your brain’s production of serotonin — the hormone that regulates your mood — as well as vitamin D — which is crucial for your bones, your immune system and your mind.
Sweating it out in the sauna
Saunas are a big part of Finnish culture, with some estimates saying there are over 3 million saunas in the country — which is quite a lot for a population of only 5.5 million.
To sauna the Finnish way, you have to sweat it out in a room that’s 212 degrees Fahrenheit, then cool off by rolling around in some snow or taking a dip in an ice-cold lake (or you could just take a freezing shower).
The health benefits are bountiful — as this practice helps remove harmful toxins from your body and improves your blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
Last but not least, studies show saunas can reduce stress, decrease your risk of depression and help you sleep. A 2024 study even found that regularly using a sauna can help menopausal women avoid weight gain.
Time in nature
In Finland, you’re never too far from nature — which Finns often say is one of the things that make them so happy.
And for good reason: Experts say spending time in nature can lower anxiety and make you feel more grounded while also enhancing your cognitive function and creativity levels.
“When you are unplugging, your brain is in alpha wave mode, i.e., in active problem-solving mode and figuring out innovative solutions, Emma Seppälä, a happiness expert and the author of “The Happiness Track and Sovereign,” told Business Finland.
“If you want to be more creative, you need to consciously have these times of relaxation in your day. For people living in Finland, that’s what the forest offers — as by the way, does the sauna. Finns’ antistress lifestyle is proinnovation.”
The benefits of “sisu”
When times get tough, the Finns lean on “sisu” — a Finnish term that means inner strength and perseverance through hardship.
“It is a special thing that is reserved for especially challenging moments,” Emilia Lahti, a researcher of sisu from Aalto University in Helsinki, told the BBC.
“When we feel that we came to the end point of our preconceived capacities. You could say that sisu is energy, determination in the face of adversities that are more demanding than usual.”
Sisu may help Finns make it through their harsh winters — but it also yields mental health benefits all year round by lending itself to a proactive and optimistic approach to overcoming challenges, no matter the odds.
