In conjunction with the International Day of Happiness on Monday (March 20), Finland has been named the happiest country in annual United Nations ‘World Happiness Report.’ And with the aim of sharing its secrets of success, Visit Finland is inviting global Grinches to join a free masterclass in happiness taking place in the Nordic country this summer.
2023 is the sixth consecutive year that Finland has been heralded as the world’s happiness place in the report. The rest of this year’s top 10 includes Denmark, Iceland, Israel, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and New Zealand. Canada ranked 13th.
Visit Finland says “the secret to Finnish happiness has been debated worldwide ever since Finland was first nominated for the prestigious title,” and explains “Finns themselves believe that the key to their happiness is found In four elements: nature, lifestyle, food, and sustainability.”
This includes:
1. A deep connection with nature: 75% of Finland is covered by vast green forests, in addition to the 187,000 lakes that help make up the world’s largest archipelago. Finland is home to 41 national parks and provides citizens and visitors alike with Everyman’s Rights – the freedom to roam in nature and enjoy outdoor pursuits regardless of who owns or occupies an area. As such, Finns foster a deep connection with nature throughout their lives – finding happiness in the many benefits nature offers. For example, it has been proven that even 15-20 minutes in the forest decreases blood pressure and improves mood.
2. Enjoying a simple lifestyle: Favourite Finnish habits and activities are quite simple. A crucial source of Finnish wellness, sauna is a world-famous institution famed for its health benefits. Combined with a refreshing plunge in a nearby lake in summer or brave a dip in the ice hole in winter, sauna – considered a lifestyle by many – is a firm contributor to Finnish happiness.
3. A commitment to sustainability: Sustainability is traditionally seen as very important to Finns – whether that is preserving the surrounding nature, cultural heritage or crafting inventions for daily use. From furniture to clothes, Finnish design is seamlessly integrated into everyday life in Finland. In a country full of contrasts and with nature an endless source of inspiration, sustainability plays an important role for the nation’s happiness.
4: A love for seasonal and local food: Finnish food is simple, fresh and built on, natural ingredients. With the world’s cleanest air, pure water from thousands of lakes, and a wealth of wild ingredients – such as berries, mushrooms, and herbs – that can be foraged in the country’s forests, food is one of the essential elements of happiness for Finns.
Masterclass
To celebrate being the happiest country in the world, Visit Finland is now looking for participants from around the globe to become “masters in happiness” who can learn the key skills of “being happy the Finnish way.”
The new four-day Masterclass of Happiness held in Finnish Lakeland in June will offer 10 select participants in-person coaching on how to discover their inner happiness through bonding with nature.
The masterclass will be entirely free of charge and Visit Finland will also cover travel expenses to and from Finland. Applications for the masterclass are open until April 2 on the Visit Finland web site and applicants can apply individually or with a friend or partner.