“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything – they make the best of everything.”
Edited by Anna Popper
According to the World Happiness Report 2025, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year.
The annual report, released on 20 March to coincide with International Day of Happiness (IHD), reaffirms Finland’s enduring position at the top.
The IHD was established following a 2011 United Nations resolution recognizing happiness as a “fundamental human goal”. The resolution called for “a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all people.” Since its inception in 2013, the International Day of Happiness has been observed worldwide.
The theme for Happiness Day 2025, “Caring and Sharing”, underscores the significance of kindness and generosity in fostering stronger communities and enhancing overall well-being.
Global Launch of the World Happiness Report (WHR) 2025
The WHR is a collaboration between Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR Editorial Board. It evaluates happiness levels in 147 countries based on key factors such as:
- Social support
- Healthy life expectancy
- Freedom from corruption
- Generosity
- Overall life satisfaction
The WHR 2025, a comprehensive 256-page report, analyses responses to over 100 survey questions from individuals worldwide, primarily using data from the Gallup World Poll. It also considers broader societal indicators, including:
- Income and GDP per capita
- Social support and safety nets
- Perceived freedom to make life choices
- Charitable giving and generosity
- Prevalence of corruption
- Employment status
Top 40 Happiest Countries in 2025
- Finland (eighth year in a row)
Why Is Finland the Happiest Country?
What is Finland’s secret? “Taking care of social needs and fostering a sense of belonging to a community is an integral part of our national character and a source of creativity,” says Heli Jimenez, Senior Director of International Marketing at Visit Finland.
Kuva: Korppi Films Oy
Finland’s happiness is deeply rooted in social stability, strong institutions, cherished traditions, and a profound connection to its pristine, well-preserved nature. Finns find joy in life’s simple yet meaningful pleasures, such as walking through forests, breathing fresh, clean air, and enjoying pure water, which contribute to their overall well-being. The country is home to around 188,000 lakes and ponds, earning it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Lakes”.
Even the long, harsh winters fail to dampen their spirits, as the Finnish way of life embraces the changing seasons with resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for nature’s rhythm. This ability to find joy in every season reflects a profound mindset of contentment and harmony with nature.
A cornerstone of Finnish culture is the sauna, an ancient tradition that remains deeply embedded in everyday life. Almost 90% of Finns indulge in a sauna session at least once a week, it is more than just a way to relax – it is a social ritual, a place for contemplation. Whether in private homes, public facilities, or lakeside cabins, saunas provide warmth and rejuvenation, especially during the cold winter months. Alternating between the intense heat of the sauna and a refreshing dip in an icy lake or rolling in fresh snow is not only invigorating but is also believed to have significant health benefits.
Finland’s long summer days are another source of joy, offering a stark contrast to the dark winter months. In midsummer, particularly in the northern regions, the sun barely sets, creating an enchanting phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. This extended daylight allows people to make the most of outdoor activities, from hiking and berry picking to late-night swimming in crystal-clear lakes. Festivals, gatherings, and celebrations thrive under the endless golden glow, reinforcing a deep sense of community and appreciation for nature’s gifts.
Photo by Juha Kalaoja
Adding to Finland’s natural wonder is the breath-taking spectacle of the Nordic lights, aka Aurora Borealis. During the darker months, especially in Lapland, the night sky aglow in vibrant hues of green, purple, and blue, dancing in mesmerizing patterns. This celestial spectacle has captivated generations, inspiring myths, art, and scientific curiosity. Witnessing the Northern Lights in the serene Arctic wilderness, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, is a truly magical experience that further strengthens Finland’s bond with nature.
“Elämä on matka, nauti maisemista.” – Life is a journey, enjoy the scenery.
Besides these factors, Finland has developed what is often called the “infrastructure of happiness” – a strong social foundation that fosters both individual well-being and community resilience, creating a unique formula for national happiness.
The Social Capital Behind Finland’s Success
- Strong Social Trust & Freedom – High confidence in institutions, governance, and even strangers.
- Good Governance – Transparent and accountable leadership.
- Safety Nets – Economic stability allows for risk-taking without fear of failure.
- Social Responsibility – Over 90% of Finns view paying taxes as a civic duty.
- Active Citizen Participation – Open dialogue between citizens and authorities fosters inclusion.
- Equality & Social Justice – Strong protections for minorities and gender equality.
- World-Class Education – Equal access to high-quality learning.
- Universal Healthcare – Accessible, top-tier medical services for all.
- Connection to Nature – Daily access to green spaces enhances well-being.
- Sauna & Simplicity – Sauna culture promotes relaxation and mindfulness.
- Work-Life Balance – Policies that prioritize well-being and professional fulfilment.
The Role of Sisu in Finnish Happiness
A fundamental aspect of Finnish identity is “Sisu”, an untranslatable word encapsulating resilience, perseverance, and inner strength. This deeply rooted, centuries-old mindset helps Finns navigate challenges with courage and determination, reinforcing both individual and societal well-being.
Sisu is more than just personal resilience – it fosters cooperation, mutual support, and social cohesion, significantly contributing to Finland’s collective success.
Although the concept has long been ingrained in Finnish culture, it gained global recognition in the early to mid-20th century, particularly during Finland’s historic struggles. Today, Sisu is still celebrated in Finnish literature, art, and popular culture as a defining characteristic of the nation.
Central Europe’s Ranking in WHR 2025
In Central Europe, Hungary experienced a significant drop in the rankings, falling from 56th place in 2024 to 69th in 2025. The country thus performed worse than some of its neighbours:
🇸🇮 Slovenia – 17
🇦🇹 Austria – 19
🇷🇸 Serbia – 31
🇷🇴 Romania – 35
🇸🇰 Slovakia – 50
Despite the decline, Hungary continued to rank higher than Croatia (72) and Ukraine (111).
The World’s Least Happy Countries
At the bottom of the list: 143-147. Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan
Nordic Day on 23 March – The Nordic Model of Happiness
The Nordic nations continued to dominate the top rankings in 2025, with Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland maintaining high positions. These countries celebrate Nordic Day on 23 March, commemorating the 1962 Helsinki Agreement, which established official Nordic cooperation.
The Nordic Model is built on shared values such as: Trust, Equality, Sustainability, Innovation and Openness.
These principles shape their governance, economic policies, and overall societal well-being.
Lessons from the World Happiness Report
The WHR 2025 emphasizes that happiness doesn’t depend solely on wealth or economic growth – it thrives on trust, social connections, and a sense of security in society. As Gallup CEO Jon Clifton aptly states: “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”
For more insights, please visit: worldhappiness.report
Source: World Happiness Report 2025
Photos from Visit Finland, Good News from Finland, Diplomatic Magazine
