Ever wondered which country is the most happiest or where in this world would you be the most happiest?? Well, most of the times we are the most happiest with our friends and families but this country is ranked the most happiest thrice in a row by the World Happiness Report.
World Happiness Report
So what exactly is this World Happiness Report about and why is it made?? This is basically an annual publication of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network which contains articles, and rankings of national happiness based on respondent ratings of their own lives. It was made to use the data of the measured happiness of each country to help guide public policy. It also considers other factors such as healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, gross domestic product (GDP), generosity, social support from friends, perceived corruption, as well as the feelings of the people, both good and bad. April 1, 2012 was the date when the first report was issued.
Finland
Once again this year this beautiful Nordic country of Finland was ranked the “most happiest” for the third year running and as always it managed to surprise a considerable amount of people. So why is Finland the most happiest or what its traits that make it so special?? In spite of the not so favorable weather conditions, Finland tops the rankings because even though its not the most powerful of the biggest country in the world it has plenty to offer that many others don’t. On a societal level, the great success of this country can be attributed to its rigid social safety network, culture of trust, high-quality education, and a strong commitment to gender equality. It also has extensive welfare benefits, meagre levels of corruption, a proper democracy, and an inside sense of freedom and independence, which comprises a big part of what makes up our happiness!!
Work front
Extensive welfare benefits, low levels of corruption, well-functioning democracy, and its instilled sense of freedom and autonomy are few of the qualities for which this land is praised by a multitude of international bodies. Its flourishing universal healthcare system is all because of its progressive taxation and equal wealth distribution among its citizens. The surprising factor is that more than an 80% of its people trust the police force which is far more than any country can claim!!!
Global economy
Giving the world global brands such as Nokia, Rovio (developer of Angry Birds), Supercell (creators of Clash of Clans) and elevator manufacturer KONE, Finland has been making progress in its world economy too.
Flat working model
For any group of people to be successful whether it be as small as a group of students doing a school project or a country in itself, its important that the people respect their leader and the other group mates. Trust between the members is also a key feature to be noticed.
Being one of the first countries to imply the flat working model, which depicts the Finnish approach so as to how to do businesses, as well as the treatment of employees, Finland sees to it that the employees are trusted upon and not supervised constantly. The main point is that the structure should promote increased involvement with an organized decision making and also enabling open and free communication within members of a team. The flat working model is oneof its kinds which ensures that there are no hierarchal levels between management and staff. For all of us, happiness is nearly always linked with the joy you get from your job and the pursuit of a healthy work-life balance. This leads to a healthy work life balance with no pressure and stress but just happiness around.
Gender Gap
With its commitment to closing the huge pay gap and dicrimination between the genders, Finland is in fact the only country in the developed world in which fathers spend more time with school-aged children than mothers. This along with a high- quality education is the proof of the country’s positive progress.
Looking after the poor
Finland has also been a long-time participant in the fight against inequality. When in countries around the world, the economical status gap of people is widening, it has made its foremost priority to ensure the equality of the poorest citizens and their consistent happiness.
Sisu: the Finnish policy
‘Sisu’ in Finnish means believing in yourself fully and taking a task headon which might seem hopeless or crazy.Finland embodies this principle in countless ways, such as with its successful approach to ending homelessness. Some novels of the country such as ‘housing first’ gives principles that ensures a non-traditional approach to a traditional problem.
Freedom and Mutual trust
Freedom and the mutual trust amongst the citizens and the government is also a major cause for the country’s happiness. The mindset that one can only be free and independent if everyone is equally free and independent drives the country’s policy-making and underpins what it means to be Finnish.
Many people feel that satisfying materialistic needs is all that life is about, but thsi principle helps the finns remain ahead in many facets of life. Even though its ranking the top, the string of hope is that its being a role model to the other countries in treating their citizens in a better way.
Finns aren’t outwardly jolly, bubbly, “have a nice day” people who walk around with huge grins plastered on their faces, but the people really do seem to have a true sense of fulfillness and peace with their lives. They are happy, but they don’t need to shove it in anyone’s faces. There is no one particular reason why Finns feel this way, but rather a combination of everything that results in a healthy, balanced life.
By Masoomi S Nevgi
