In the four years from 2018 to 2021, Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country in the World Happiness Report. What makes Finland so successful and such a great place to live?
The authors look at a range of topics, from geography and climate (Finland has fabulous summers as well as cold winters). With a population of just over five million people in a country that is almost 40% larger than the UK, residents have access to a huge amount of forest space and lakes (over 180,000). From what we know, access to nature clearly contributes to greater wellbeing.
They also touch briefly on the subject of Finnish ‘sisu’. The best translation of this is around not giving up, especially when things get tough, possibly equated with living in a country with harsh winters.
Finland’s history also plays a big part, as the authors explain, “At different points in the past 500 years, Finland was a colony of Sweden, dominated by Germany, and controlled by both Denmark and Russia.” Since the Second World War, Finland has been transformed, without the oil advantages of Norway or wealth from an imperial era enjoyed by Sweden and Denmark, due to the investment by the Finnish state in its people.
They look at the economy and welfare system in depth too. From first-hand experience, I’ve seen the benefits of a population that benefits from, “being part of the state from birth through childhood, with parents who can take parental leave and afford childcare and in youth and adulthood you receive free education and universal healthcare and have the security of knowing you will never have to sleep rough and in old age you receive a decent state pension on retirement, you appreciate the true value of the tax taken off your salary.”
Social mobility is another key focus, supported by the Finnish school system as well as income equality; “Of all the counties in the world, only in Denmark does it matter less who your parents are for your prospects in later life.” Flexible working is mentioned as is an exploration of the paradox of the low proportion of women working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) roles, even though Finland holds the ranking of joint highest on the global index of gender equality. They also explore how life expectancy in Finland is continuing to rise through examining old age and health.
The final section of the book looks at the future, considering politics (Finland’s coalition government is made up of five parties, all led by women), demography and the environment, with a quick look at action being taken by Finland in this area. The final chapter titled ‘Success Fatigue’ explores a host of topics including mental health (particularly in the young), the media, migrants and universal basic income among others.
This easy-to-read and highly informative book is a relatively concise journey through the historical and political background of a country that has leapt to the top of a host of rankings around quality of life. It’s absolutely not all rosy – the authors explore some of the ‘darker’ aspects such as the rise of the far-right in politics, alcoholism and youth unemployment among others.
They also rightly point out that this isn’t a quick fix – from start to finish of reading this book, you can see how this has been a long-term approach over many years.
I lived and worked in Finland from 1994 – 1998 and still visit frequently. I have found it endlessly fascinating how a country of just over five million people, not far from the Arctic circle has developed into a world leader in many areas, including topping the rankings of world happiness. I’m always curious to understand what works and importantly, what other nations can learn from their journey – this book goes a long way in showing what works.
“Finland excels at much more than just happiness…”.
This review features illustrated notes by Virpi Oinonen - www.businessillustrator.com Virpi@businessillustrator.com