Is Finland Really The Happiest Country In The World?

Finland has been declared the happiest country in the world for the second year in a row. On Wednesday, the United Nations released its annual World Happiness Report and confirmed the Nordic country as the reigning champion of joy.

But in many ways, the land of frigid temperatures and dark winter days seems like the most unlikely of choices.

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[VICENews]

VICE News visited Helsinki to find out if the Finns are actually happier than the rest of the world, and if so, why.

[jdal]

Finland is low key pissed off about being called happy

[rickeydart]

UN: "Finland is the happiest place on Earth."

The Finnish: "What?"

[JarkkoKokkonen]

Happiness isn’t about joy. It comes from security and possibilities. Now that we’re in the midst of Covid I’ve noticed that all of my friends who have moved to other countries over the years are moving back. It comes down to security. Finland will take care of you. Even if you lose your job, your house and your dignity. That’s why we’re happy.

[weirdairportdude]

Seeking happiness makes people unhappier, that's why being grateful for what you have is better Imo.

[Elzilcho]

I think Finnish people aren't necessarily the "Happiest" people in the world, it's just they don't really feel like they've very much to complain about.

[KatsPurr]

If happiness means that you can walk the streets safely. If you can rely on your food, air and environment being clean. If you know that most around you are honest and trustworthy people who would return your lost wallet to you WITH the cash inside of it. If you can open a newspaper without seeing local news of murders and rapes every day. If you can rest at ease knowing that you can get medical help at any time for almost free. If you can be proud of the president that runs your country. If you can feel equal as a female citizen. If you can meet a fellow Finn and know that when they do smile, that it's 100% genuine and that they are not being fake... then yes - Finns are happy.

[mitzloo]

I visited Finland during a Baltic cruise. We went into Stockmann department store in Helsinki and other customers helped us find what we were looking for (cloudberry jam). We looked confused and they stopped their own shopping, asked if they could help, and brought us to where we needed to go. So kind. My impression of the Finnish people was very positive. Good folk.

[dhaqabk]

“We are quite quiet. We are quite serious, we like to spend time alone.” It’s a country full of me’s!! Definitely going to visit soon.

[applesnow]

Happy doesnt mean smiling till your ear tips and faking it to the camera, vice. Happy means freedom as well and honesty and even melancholy can be happy

[MidWitPride]

That guy going "ehhh" after being asked "are you happy" is my spirit animal.

[rlittler]

I'm always happy when I visit Finland. The way of life there is so much better than the UK. Finns have their priorities in order and focus on living well and appreciating what's around them.

[SSaNNEE]

I am a Finnish person and totally see why we are the happiest country in the world. Put it simply, we have a working country. No corrupt politicians fucking us over (except the last governemnt tried to turn us into USA) working healthcare, social aid, living aid, well paying jobs, freedom (not like in the states or UK you cannot go to every forest if someone oWnS it) fair rents, no psychopaths and serial killers making your daily lives worse, you can walk outside after the dark without the fear of getting attacked, celebrities can go on with their normal lives without people constantly putting paparazzi after them etc. Do I need to state more reasons? Its just simple that when the government drops their military spending and peacocking society model and focuses more to the people of the country, the result is obviously a lot happier country to live in. I would never leave this country and wished more countries were like Finland.

[TheSpiikki]

No fake smiling in finland. might seem unfriendly Place at first, but you'll get "it" when you've been here for a while.

[redteeth]

As a person who loves dark, cloudy, cold weather, "depressing" weather as some people say, this is my dream. I find it peaceful.

[alicewalls]

They're the most content and satisfied people. They're being treated the best.

[heviutza]

Honestly, I believe that a person who enjoys just being quiet and spending time alone is genuine more happy (or lets say "content") than a person who seeks acceptance in a group of loud people who must go drinking out every other day and make crazy and wild things.

[Boushin]

Finland is number 1 on not having things to really whine about.

[winterkai]

When that Finnish woman said they're "quiet, quite serious and likes to spend time alone", I just wanted to be there in an instant or at least live in a very same place. It's hard to live in a country where introverts have less chances and opportunities.

[cortymoto]

I'm Canadian, and I'm often feeling pressured to act more positive and cheerful than I really am... while second-guessing the fronts other people put up to do the same. I don't see myself moving to Finland (I need sunlight) but I long for a culture where people aren't socially obligated to act cheerful