"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
20 Mar 2023
In a world filled with uncertainty, one country has consistently stood out as a beacon of joy and happiness. For six years in a row, Finland has been declared the world's happiest nation, a title coveted by countries around the globe. But what is the secret to Finland's unparalleled happiness?
The answer lies in a comprehensive report released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, which uses data from sources such as the Gallup World Poll to rank countries on happiness. The report measures six key factors, including social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption, to determine a country's level of happiness.
Many of the same Nordic countries remain at the top, with Denmark at number two, followed by Iceland at number three. The authors of the report noted that Nordic countries merit special attention in light of their generally high levels of both personal and institutional trust, which was also reflected in their relatively low COVID-19 death rates.
From robust social support systems to policies that prioritize equality and sustainability, Finland has created a culture that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens above all else.
Interestingly, at position 20, Lithuania has made its debut appearance in the top 20. Global happiness has held up despite the pandemic's problems, according to the report, with life evaluations from 2020 to 2022 being comparable to those from the years before the outbreak.
The survey also highlighted that pro-sociality has increased, with regular acts of kindness including lending a hand to a stranger, giving to charities, and volunteering rising above levels seen before the pandemic.
As the rest of the world struggled to find happiness amidst a global pandemic and political turmoil, Finland's continued reign as the happiest nation serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through dedication to creating a more joyful and fulfilling society.