Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world for an impressive seventh consecutive year, according to the latest World Happiness Report released on 20 March 2024.
The nation’s capital, Helsinki, is at the heart of this joy, with the city’s mayor and residents eager to share their happiness hacks with the world. They extend an invitation to global visitors to come to Helsinki in June 2024 and discover the keys to their contentment.
Experts use responses from people in more than 140 nations to rank the world’s ‘happiest’ countries.
We’re curious to hear your thoughts! What makes you happy, and how do you think your city compares to Helsinki in terms of fostering happiness? Share your personal happiness hacks, experiences, or any insights you might have about living joyfully in the comments section below. Let’s inspire each other with ideas and stories that could make our lives and communities brighter.
The top ten world’s happiest countries are as follows: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Australia. More details are below.
Finland tops the overall list for the seventh successive year, though there is considerable movement elsewhere:
- Serbia (37th) and Bulgaria (81st) have had the biggest increases in average life evaluation scores since they were first measured by the Gallup World Poll in 2013, and this is reflected in climbs up the rankings between World Happiness Report 2013 and this 2024 edition of 69 places for Serbia and 63 places for Bulgaria.
- The next two countries showing the largest increases in life evaluations are Latvia (46th) and Congo (Brazzaville) (89th), with rank increases of 44 and 40 places, respectively, between 2013 and 2024.
Significantly, the United States of America (23rd) has fallen out of the top 20 for the first time since the World Happiness Report was first published in 2012, driven by a large drop in the wellbeing of Americans under 30. Afghanistan remains bottom of the overall rankings as the world’s ‘unhappiest’ nation.
This year’s World Happiness Report highlights Finland’s across-the-board happiness, scoring high marks among all age groups. The report emphasizes happiness throughout different stages of life, showcasing Finland’s commitment to well-being for the young, old, and everyone in between.
Finland’s happiness is deeply integrated into its society, where cities and municipalities, including Helsinki, play a crucial role in providing essential everyday services. From daycare and education to healthcare, these services contribute significantly to the well-being of residents at every stage of life.
Helsinki’s Mayor, Juhana Vartiainen, points out the city’s investment in the future and well-being of its residents. Initiatives like the forthcoming Museum of Architecture and Design highlight the city’s commitment to enriching residents’ lives with culture and nature.
Helsinki’s efficient public transport system stands out as a major happiness factor, enabling easy access to the city’s abundant sources of joy. According to a survey, an overwhelming majority of Helsinki residents express satisfaction with their lives, attributing this to the city’s cultural offerings, safety, green spaces, and the proximity to the sea.
The everyday pleasures of life in Helsinki, such as enjoying ice cream by the seaside, sauna visits, and exploring the city’s cultural scene, are fundamental to the locals’ happiness. These simple joys contribute to a high quality of life in the Finnish capital.
The city’s multicultural vibe and welcoming attitude towards tourists are celebrated through the Helsinki Happiness Hacks campaign. This initiative invites international visitors to experience local happiness practices firsthand, with local happiness hackers sharing their personal tips.
Lena Salmi, a 70-year-old skateboarder and one of the happiness hackers, embodies Helsinki’s spirit of freedom and community. Her year-round sea swimming and skateboarding are testaments to the unique joy found in Helsinki’s lifestyle.
