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For the 8th year in a row, Finland has claimed the top spot in the World Happiness Report, with its citizens recording a life satisfaction score of 7.741, well ahead of other nations. While the numbers highlight the nation’s contentment, the true source of Finnish happiness lies in its unique culture, lifestyle, and societal practices. One of the most striking aspects of Finnish life is its sauna culture. Saunas, which number three per person on average, are not merely places to bathe, they are centers of social bonding. Nudity, far from being taboo, is seen as a symbol of trust. In some cases, business deals and even diplomatic discussions take place in saunas, where clothes are set aside and honest conversations flow freely. “What happens in the sauna, stays in the sauna,” is a phrase often cited to emphasise this trust-building ritual. For tourists, saunas with swimwear are available, but for Finns, mixed-gender saunas are commonplace, underscoring a cultural approach that prioritizes openness and emotional well-being. Environment Minister Sara Varala noted, “The sauna frees us from negative energy, which is the basis of happiness.” Watch the viral video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tanya Khanijow (@tanyakhanijow) Education in Finland also plays a crucial role in fostering well-being. Finnish children spend fewer hours in classrooms than peers in other OECD countries, with minimal homework and a focus on play-based learning. Primary school students dedicate just two to three hours a week to outside-of-class assignments, yet they consistently perform at high academic levels. High school graduation rates in Finland reach 93%, compared to 76% in the United States. Teachers are highly qualified, holding master’s degrees, and classroom sizes remain small, allowing for more personalised attention. The 2025 report shows that Finnish children score the highest in happiness worldwide, suggesting that a stress-free learning environment contributes significantly to societal contentment. Work-life balance is another cornerstone of Finnish happiness. The standard workday runs from 8 am to 4 pm, and employees receive an average of 2.5 paid vacation days each month, adding up to five weeks annually. This approach emphasises rest, personal time, and the importance of enjoying life outside the office.
