Why is Finland the happiest country in the world?
Every year around March, the Gallup Global Happiness Center organises the Gallup World Poll to determine how satisfied people are, emotionally and otherwise, living in their own countries. This survey intends to focus on something that the country’s economy cannot reflect. This World Happiness Report released by Gallup is a groundbreaking initiative by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network. In 2021, Finland has won the title of being the ‘happiest country in the world’ consecutively for the fourth time, beating another Nordic country Denmark by a small margin. Read on to know why Finland took the top spot in this ‘Happiness Index’ report.
Built from scratch
Finland has had a sad past. Around 150 years ago, about half of the Finnish population died of a famine. Thereafter in 1918, Finland finally won its independence from Russia after years of struggle. Further, in 1945, when the World War II ended, Finland became one of the poorest countries in the world. Since then, Finland as a nation has been working really hard to build a modern welfare system from scratch that benefits the citizens in all possible ways.
Solid education system
Finland’s education system is one of the best and most developed in the world according to Programme for International Student Assessment. A bunch of reforms in the1980s focussed on using education to ensure the complete eradication of inequality. Needless to say, Finland has successfully achieved what it meant to do. The radically revamped education system comprises of free meals in schools as well as voluntary psychological counselling for students.
Don’t compete, but cooperate motto
Finland tops the happiness index because of its easygoing way of life. In comparison to the fast-moving Western world, Finland is more peace-loving and stress-free. The Finnish people prefer cooperation over competition, so much so that the indigenous companies have no hierarchal system. There’s no discrimination between the management and the regular staff. This has led to a solid increase in productivity, and has helped the country pioneer smooth working.
Affordable healthcare system
Finland has a universally acclaimed healthcare system which is a significant factor in determining how happy its citizens feel. The government closely deals with the healthcare sector and negotiates the prices of medical resources and equipment with the pharmaceutical companies, making healthcare very cheap and accessible to one and all.
Gender and economic equality
Another factor that makes Finland stand out is its equal way of life that translates into same opportunities for everyone no matter what gender or socio-economic background they are from. The country has the strongest middle class in the world with very little poverty, and everyone always have opportunities to grow. Hardly anyone in Finland is homeless and even the poorest people get access to education and health facilities. Finland also happens to be a great place for working women.
Low crime levels
One key factor that contributes the country’s happiness quotient is that more than half Finns trust their country’s police and legal system. This makes the citizens feel safe and secured, allowing free movement. Finland is famous for its very low crime levels.