Discover why Finland is the happiest country
in the world*

Finland isn’t just a country—it’s a lifestyle.
Discover what makes it special, straight from those who’ve made the move.

*World Happiness Report 2017-2024

The Secret to Finnish Happiness

Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world for seven years in a row (and counting).
What’s our secret? A mix of trust, equality, and yes, a lot of coffee.

Family enjoying an outdoor hike, showcasing Finnish work-life balance

Work-Life Balance

Flexible hours, long vacations, and plenty of time for family—or sitting silently in a sauna.

Forest trail leading through a serene Finnish landscape, highlighting nature's role in happiness

Nature Everywhere

With 187,000 lakes and endless forests, nature is always just a step away.

Safety and Equality

Low crime, high trust, and equality at the heart of everything we do

Fun Facts

90% of Finland is nature

3.3 million saunas

#1 coffee drinking nation

90% of Finland is nature • 3.3 million saunas • #1 coffee drinking nation •

Are We Really That Happy?

Finnish Happiness Myths

Finnish happiness equals lots of coffee

Myth 1: Finns Are Always Smiling

Spoiler alert: we’re not. Finns specialize in subtle joy, not over-the-top cheerleading. Walk through a Finnish town, and you might think everyone’s just been told their favorite sauna is closed.

How We Cope:

  • Coffee Culture: Finns drink more coffee than anyone else in the world. Happiness = caffeine.

  • Silent Joy: Sitting quietly with friends isn’t awkward—it’s bliss.

  • Dark Humor: If you can laugh at life’s absurdities, who needs a grin?

Fun fact: Finns are the world's top coffee consumers, averaging about 4 cups per person daily, which totals approximately 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of coffee per person annually.

Finnish saunas are the way to survive the Finnish winter

Myth 2: The Winters Are Miserable

Yes, it’s dark. Yes, it’s cold. But instead of hibernating (though tempting), Finns embrace the season with rituals that make winter almost… bearable.

How We Cope:

  • Sauna Sessions: Sweat it out and warm up to life—even at -20°C.

  • Nature Walks: Bundle up, hit the trails, and let the forest remind you why you’re alive.


Fun fact:
With 3.3 million public and private saunas for its 5.4 million residents, Finland proudly holds the title for the highest number of saunas per capita in the world

drinking alone  (dogs do not count)  in your underwearequals Finnish happiness

Myth 3: Finns Have It All Figured Out

Sure, free education and healthcare help. But loneliness and melancholy are part of our DNA too. We’re not perfect, just balanced.

How We Cope:

  • Community Spirit: Small, meaningful connections matter more than big, shallow ones.

  • Kalsarikännit: Translation: ‘drinking at home in your underwear.’ Need we say more?

  • No Hierarchies: Need to email the president? Go for it—just don’t ask for mushroom-picking tips.

Fun fact: Kalsarikännit became the Finnish equivalent of hygge and has been talked about in The Chicago Tribune, Vogue and other major media.

Who’s Behind This?

Curious about who’s talking about Finnish happiness and why? Find out more about me, my story, and what I know about the secret to a good life.

Learn more