In the crisp air of mid-March, Finland emerges once again as the reigning champion of joy on the global stage. The UN World Happiness Report has cast its annual verdict, and for the seventh consecutive time, Finland proudly wears the crown of contentment. Much like how Manchester City or Real Madrid dominate the football arena, Finland stands tall as the epitome of happiness. Yet, forgive us if we seem nonchalant about this accolade. While compliments are always welcome, our focus is drawn to more pressing matters.
Beyond the celebratory headlines, our attention is drawn to the rumblings from our noisy Russian neighbor, whose sabres rattle with increasing fervor. Closer to home, a wave of industrial unrest brews in response to proposed austerity measures by our right-leaning government. As spring blossoms across Europe, thawing ice still clings stubbornly to our Baltic coasts and lakes, a reminder of winters past that we eagerly wish would vanish overnight.
Reflecting on my arrival in Finland as an English teacher in the 1980s, I recall a country shrouded in obscurity, quietly nestled between the cultural juggernauts of Sweden and the looming presence of the Soviet Union. Michael Palin's whimsical musings in a Monty Python tribute painted Finland as a land of "lofty mountains" and gentle neglect. It wasn't until the rise of Nokia in the 1990s that Finland's global stature began to ascend, though many outsiders mistakenly attributed the tech giant to Japan.
The country's integration into the EU in 1995 marked a significant turning point, bolstering its international standing. And in the face of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Finland's decisive accession to NATO sent a bold message to the world stage.
Gone are the days of the stereotype portraying Finns as stoic and melancholic, perpetuated by the films of Aki and Mika Kaurismäki. Instead, a new image of cheerful optimism has taken root, though such stereotypes always fall short of capturing the true essence of a people.
The challenges of the Covid pandemic tested our resilience, with social distancing proving to be a departure from the myth of Finnish aloofness. Yet, amidst the chaos, Finns still find solace in the embrace of festivals and the camaraderie of sports crowds. After all, with vast expanses of untouched wilderness and breathtaking natural beauty, solitude is never far for those seeking it.
As Helsinki bursts into vibrant hues, a testament to the city's spirited soul, Finland continues to evolve, defying expectations and embracing the complexities of modern life with a resilient spirit that echoes through its timeless landscapes.
While we appreciate the positive spotlight, as Finns (and now, as a dual Finn-Brit citizen post-Brexit), we believe the UN ought to focus on monitoring more nuanced aspects of societal well-being than the fleeting concept of 'happiness'. Many of us lean towards 'contentment', embracing the understanding that a fulfilling life can exist within realistic parameters, especially in a society where the wealth gap tends to be narrower compared to elsewhere.
Admittedly, Finland boasts numerous advantages, notwithstanding those enduring, frosty winters. Our northern latitude gifts us with endless summer days, offsetting the brevity of winter sunlight. Earthquakes and volcanoes are absent from our concerns, and the likelihood of recovering lost items like phones or wallets remains remarkably high. Though our education system may have slipped from its former top-ranking status, it still maintains a commendable standard. While healthcare often incurs fees, these remain reasonable, and once you reach the front of the line, the quality of care is reliably high.
A heightened awareness and appreciation for the environment permeate our society, complemented by an extensive and generally efficient public transportation network. Despite the relatively high cost of alcohol, there persists a tendency towards overindulgence, although intoxication doesn't hold the same allure among the youth.
For seven consecutive years, Finland has claimed the title of the world's happiest country—a distinction many attribute to our inherent stoicism, characterized by an unwavering, uncomplaining resolve to tackle whatever challenges lie before us. This attribute, often encapsulated in the word 'sisu', applies to both mundane tasks like clearing snow off cars after a blizzard and larger struggles such as resisting Soviet invasion during World War II.
This perceived resilience finds its roots in our agrarian heritage, even amidst the rapid urbanization of recent decades, which has seen cities like Helsinki expand and evolve. In the face of change, the spirit of 'sisu' endures as a guiding principle, embodying our collective ethos of perseverance and determination.
If your only experience of Finland is strolling through the increasingly cosmopolitan and culturally vibrant streets of Helsinki on a balmy summer day, it's easy to understand why you might believe this to be the happiest place on Earth. Yet, if you venture beyond the capital to the smaller provincial towns, grappling with issues like unemployment and grappling with aversion to immigration, the picture becomes more nuanced.
The recently elected president, the media-savvy polyglot Alexander Stubb, wasted no time in attributing Finnish happiness to three main pillars: nature, trust, and education. With Finns now more accustomed to international acclaim than ever before, most simply chuckle or shrug at the accolade. They're a tough crowd to impress, but they'll certainly be content if they manage to secure an eighth consecutive win next year.
As we revel in the colorful streets of Helsinki and bask in the glory of being crowned ice hockey world champions, it's hard to imagine a happier moment for Finns. Yet, beyond the celebrations, there's a deeper layer to our national identity—a resilience born from our connection to nature, our inherent trust in one another, and our unwavering commitment to education.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, embracing change while holding true to our values, Finland remains a beacon of contentment—a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.
In conclusion, while the title of "happiest country on Earth" may adorn Finland's accolades for now, it's clear that true happiness is a multifaceted concept, rooted in the interconnectedness of nature, trust, and education. As Finns, we take pride in our resilience and adaptability, facing both triumphs and challenges with a sense of fortitude that transcends mere happiness. Whether celebrating victories on the ice or navigating the complexities of societal change, our journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to our values and a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity that define our nation. As we look ahead, we remain ever hopeful that our collective efforts will continue to cultivate a society where contentment flourishes, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.