While green spaces might not be seen as a high priority in Thailand, the proximity to nature is one of reasons why Finland has retained its position as the happiest country in the world for seven years.
The living environment, combined with rich natural spaces and government efforts to reduce factors contributing unhappiness, are keys to maintaining happiness for Finns.
Abundant green spaces in cities, and a mere 40-minute drive from the capital to a national park, enable Finns to enjoy their time in natural environments.
A forest guide at Nuuksio National Park, Joel Pyykkönen, told Thai PBS World that this is his dream job and generates happy emotions every day, adding that government support is indispensable in achieving this.
‘’I have opportunities to do work that I prefer in Finland. The government provides training courses, upskilling programmes and equal access to the resources. As I am fond of living with nature, I got this dream job, after being taught about forests and national parks on government training programmes,‘’ Joel said.
Alleviating people’s stress and eliminating factors that trigger unhappiness in society are how the government continuously maintains its population’s level of happiness.
An expert on well-being research noted, however, that Finns are not smiling all the time, but they feel happy thanks to the extensive state welfare system and trust in institutions.
Frank Martela, a lecturer at Aalto University, said that the generous welfare policy, well-functioning institutions, low corruption and freedom to make life choices, have led the country to a societal environment in which citizens feel the least unhappy.
‘’Democracy and education are very important for ensuring people’s trust in the government. Happiness in Finland does not come from what we see, but how we are being treated. The institutions should serve the citizens, taking good care of all of them. A well-functioning government can remove many sources of unhappiness in society,’’ Frank opined.
The welfare system, which cares for citizens from birth to death, is paid for through high rates of taxation. A single worker pays an average of 31.6% in tax, while a married worker with two children pays an average of 27.1%, according to the OECD report on taxing wages in 2023.
The government uses it substantial tax revenues to create and maintain a safety net for society, as accommodation and reskilling programmes are provided, if a homeless person seeks help from the City of Helsinki. To prevent discrimination in neighbourhoods, a policy of social mixing has been implemented since 1970s.
‘’A homogenous population in a neighbourhood could stimulate issues such as discrimination, so the goal is production and diversity in terms of resident’s funding and occupations. Also, the government protects personal information, in terms of age, job and origin.
“You won’t know who your neighbours are by appearance alone,’’ a senior planning officer at the city hall said in a briefing with Thai PBS World.
City Hall still faces difficulties in mitigating the level of segregation, since neighbourhood-level socioeconomic and ethnic differences have become more complex, with various dimensions of segregation being interlinked.
Saunas essential in Finland’s culture
Another factor in bringing happiness to Finns is the sauna, with more than 3 million of them in the country, whose population is approximately 5.5 million. With temperatures dropping as low as minus 25oC, a private sauna in the house is a necessity.
Public saunas, however, serve as places where Finns enjoy time with friends and family.
Relaxing in sauna is a favourite activity in Finland, regardless of the weather.
As temperatures only reach 20oC in summer, a sauna resort staff member said that the best method to heal from stress is to experience the sweltering heat of a sauna for ten minutes, followed by a soak in frigid seawater for five minutes, adding that our bodies benefit from alternating between warmth and coldness four times.
Finland isn’t perfect though
While people in the country benefit from the welfare policy, natural environment and readily accessible saunas, the immigration policy is stringent.
The government plans to extend the time of residence required to obtain Finnish citizenship from 5 to 8 years for most migrants.
A country with small population, such as Finland, needs migrants to boost its workforce. As the population aged over 60 reached 30% in 2023, immigrants are one solution to the country’s diminishing labour force problem.
A Laos-American immigrant, Kelly Keodara, head of the Communications and Engagement in Project Management Office at Nokia, said that language courses, subsidies and the education system helped her to adapt to Finnish culture quickly, but inclusiveness in society still needs to be improved.
“In general, Finns appreciate immigrants, because they bring a lot of diversity and values to Finland. I reckon that there’s a need for international talent and immigrants to come to Finland, helping the economy because of the ageing population.
Finland does, however, need some improvement in the system to make immigrants feel more welcome,” Keodara said.
By Franc Han Shih, Thai PBS World
