23 May 2021

Why Finns don't believe they are the "happiest" people

From Sunday Morning, 10:05 am on 23 May 2021

Nordic countries always dominate global happiness rankings, with Finland surpassing Denmark to be named the world's happiest country for the last four years running. However, you'd have a hard time trying to convince a lot of Finns that the World Happiness Report offers an accurate gauge of their overall state of mind. Jukka Savolainen, a professor of sociology and criminal justice at Wayne State University, says it has more to do with Finland's relatively modest expectations of what a 'good life' should be.

Helsinki, Finland - August 30: Unidentified people in Helsinki Old Town, Finland at August 30, 2018.

Photo: 123RF