Why is Finland the Happiest Country on Earth? (Real Reasons)

Finland is the happiest country in the world, according to the latest World Happiness Report. Want to know what makes it different and happiest of all? Read on.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “The world needs a new economic paradigm that recognises the parity between the three pillars of sustainable development. Social, economic, and environmental well-being are indivisible. Together they define gross global happiness.” Share Happiness – focusing on the importance of relationships, kindness, and helping each other – is the theme for 2018.

‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’

Guess which country tops the global happiness list? Finland. Surprised? This northern European country has claimed bragging rights in the World Happiness Report 2018. By contrast, India ranks a lowly 133 out of 156 countries included in the survey.

Less competition at work and better support for those without a job are major factors, according to Dr Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, who worked on the 2017 report. The country has a high GDP, high taxes, and free or low-cost higher education and healthcare. But the unexpected reason for their contentment is that they have lower expectations for their own happiness. In other words, they don’t try to be extremely happy. They’re just happier with less.

Finland has a lot to smile about.

What’s Finland known for?

At the beginning of the 21st century, Finland made its presence felt on the Indian subcontinent with Nokia, a mobile phone brand that was probably more popular at the time than Apple is today. But here are some other lesser-known facts about the country that might surprise you:

Of all world capitals, only Reykjavík in Iceland is more northerly than Helsinki

The Finns love to get hot and steamy in saunas! With 3.3 million saunas, there are two steam rooms for every three people in the country

Having been compressed under the enormous weight of glaciers during the Ice Age that ended about 11,500 years ago, the surface area of the country is growing by about 7 sq km every year. Finland is basically rising from the sea.

From Lapland, you can see wild reindeer, the Northern Lights, and – if you’re lucky – Santa Claus!

According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), Finns drink their way through an impressive 12 kg of coffee per person per year

One of the country’s most famous exports is the mobile gaming app ‘Angry Birds’                                                                                                                                                                                         

Cold is the new hot

When most people think of Finland, they probably think of ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. But that’s only part of the story. Summers can be quite warm. And the Finns love the outdoors. A land with nearly 1,70,000 lakes, even more islands, and 78 percent forest coverage, Finland is an environmental paradise.

With stunning natural beauty, the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, and adventure activities for every season, Finland is a year-round destination. Holidaymakers can indulge in a variety of activities, including kayaking, archery, hiking, canoeing, boat trips, cross-country skiing, and more. Just make sure you’re wrapped warmly.

A holiday of a lifetime

A holiday in Finland is unmatched. You get to see and do things you almost certainly can’t anywhere else in the world. And Club Mahindra has made it even easier for you, with seven Holiday Club Resorts dotted around the country. Four of them – Saimaa, Katinkulta, Kuusamon Tropiikki and Saariselkä – have large Angry Bird Activity Parks within the premises. In fact, Saariselkä has the most northerly Angry Birds Activity Park in the world.

While one of nature’s great wonders, the Northern Lights, will be the highlight of your trip, the facilities at the resorts will also leave you speechless. With beautifully designed and maintained accommodation, spas, restaurants serving a variety of foods, multiple indoor games, and activities for kids, our resorts will have you coming back for more.

So instead of just hearing about happiness, experience it for yourself. And bring many memories and smiles back with you to share with family and friends. After all, isn’t sharing also about happiness?