For eight consecutive years, Finland has claimed the top spot in the World Happiness Report, sparking curiosity about what this ranking truly signifies. The report, a project supported by the United Nations since 2012, evaluates global happiness levels. In response to its consistent high ranking, Finland has capitalized on this distinction by promoting "happiness tourism," showcasing cultural elements that supposedly contribute to its celebrated status. These include activities like foraging, enjoying fresh air, exploring forests and lakes, savoring sustainably produced meals, and, notably, experiencing saunas.
My decision to visit Finland during one of its darkest months, February, seemed perplexing to some, including Mikko Tirronen, a web developer and writer. As we sat in a Helsinki coffee shop, he remarked, "Coming to Helsinki in February is an objectively weird choice," alluding to the lack of vibrant colors during this time. Despite the gloominess of winter, I was curious to see if Finland would maintain its reputation as the happiest country on earth even at its least inviting.
Tirronen shared a quote from Finnish author Jukka Viikilä: "Finland is a land where children play in darkness." This statement, he explained, was both a metaphor and a literal observation. Due to Finland's geographical location, children often play in dim light. To enhance safety, they wear decorative reflectors, known as heijastin, clipped to their coats. These reflectors come in various shapes, such as lemons, poodles, swans, hedgehogs, and soccer balls, and are worn by adults as well.
Reflecting on this, Tirronen joked, "I joke that going outside without my reflector is a way of inviting suicide. If it happens, it happens." Despite the dark humor, his partner disapproves of this jest. As we drank from the small coffee cups commonly used in Finland, he noted the need for frequent refills for those who desired more than a small amount of coffee.
The World Happiness Report’s criteria for determining happiness often include factors like income, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption levels. Finland’s consistent high scores reflect its strong social support systems, emphasis on education, and commitment to balancing work and leisure, among other factors. These elements contribute to a sense of well-being and contentment among Finns, despite the long, dark winters.
In conclusion, Finland's top ranking in the World Happiness Report invites exploration beyond surface perceptions of happiness. The country's approach to life, community, and nature offers insights that might not be immediately apparent to casual observers. Even during the bleakest months, Finland's unique cultural practices and societal structures seem to sustain its high happiness index, revealing a complex picture of what happiness can mean in different contexts.